Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dr. Kamiya Stewart and Maria Patrizia Santos. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Dr. Kamiya Stewart and, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.
Yes, our business, Caracas Canteen, is deeply committed to serving underserved communities, particularly BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) individuals who have historically faced systemic barriers to adequate nutrition and hydration. The disparities in nutrition, especially in terms of hydration, have persisted for generations due to systemic inequities. Studies have consistently shown that BIPOC children and adults are much more impacted by dehydration than their white peers, leading to chronic dehydration and a myriad of associated health issues.
Furthermore, in communities like Flint, Michigan, where even basic access to potable water is scarce, the issue of water access is exacerbated, posing significant health risks. Dehydration contributes to a range of health problems, from constipation and acid reflux to chronic fatigue and increased risk of chronic diseases like diabetes. This issue is particularly exacerbated for BIPOC communities, where access to quality healthcare is often limited.
At Caracas Canteen, we recognize the urgent need to address these disparities and provide evidence-based solutions to promote hydration and overall health. Our mission is to bridge the gap in access to health and wellness products, especially among BIPOC individuals from low socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds. By promoting increased water consumption through innovative technology like SMART water bottles and water tracking apps, we aim to empower these communities to take control of their health and well-being.
We intentionally market towards BIPOC individuals of all ages across the nation, with the vision to expand globally in the future. By targeting underserved communities and providing them with access to evidence-based health solutions, we hope to not only improve individual health outcomes but also contribute to addressing broader health disparities within these communities. Through our efforts, we aim to foster holistic well-being and promote health equity for all.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Kamiya Stewart, PhD, is a research scientist, DEI and social justice specialist, and a community organizer. She earned a BA in Psychology, a BA in Human Development, and an MA in Psychology from California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). She received her PhD in Psychology from Tulane University. Dr. Kamiya’s research expertise is on economic development, workforce equity, inclusive language practices, and social justice education. Her work spans diverse contexts, from education to the workplace to community settings, addressing issues that impact health and wellbeing for people of color and people living in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods or experiencing homelessness. Additionally, she is deeply involved in various community initiatives, addressing education, food insecurity, homelessness, and workforce development. Dr. Kamiya is dedicated to driving economic and social progress in transformative and enriching ways.
Maria Patrizia Santos, MSPH, is a published biostatistician, research scientist, and public health specialist. She earned a BS in Public Health, a BS in Neuroscience, and an MSPH in biostatistics at Tulane University. Maria Patrizia is currently a third-year PhD candidate at Tulane University, specializing in epidemiology. Her research expertise is on racial and ethnic disparities in health and food access. Maria Patrizia has been involved in projects within the local New Orleans community and across Latin America, aiming to address pressing health disparities in these communities. Additionally, she serves as a board committee member for organizations, including one where she works to support local food systems. She is also a certified social justice educator, facilitating dialogues on social identities and lived experiences, dismantling systems of oppression, and equity-forward community partnerships and service.
In the summer of 2022, driven by a shared commitment to understanding the importance of water as a crucial nutrient, health researchers Kamiya Stewart (PhD) and Maria Patrizia Santos (MPH) co-founded Caracas Canteen. Born in the vibrant city of New Orleans and led by women of color, Caracas Canteen aimed to address hydration disparities by encouraging people to track their daily water intake.
The duo utilized evidence-based methods and cutting-edge technology to launch SMART water bottles, a revolutionary solution to monitor and promote water consumption through a user-friendly app. Their goal with Caracas Canteen was clear: to inspire healing, growth, and a collective commitment to drinking more water. This initiative went beyond conventional approaches to hydration, marking a transformative step toward health and social equity.
The synergy between Dr. Kamiya and Maria Patrizia was not just professional but deeply personal. Their unique experiences allowed them to approach social issues and difficult conversations in novel ways. Together, they seamlessly integrated and focused their passions, giving birth to a mission that they loved and wholeheartedly aimed to achieve.
In addressing the existing disparities in the market, Caracas Canteen recognized that current health and wellness products primarily targeted affluent demographics. This neglect left behind BIPOC individuals and those with low socioeconomic status (SES). To bridge this gap, Caracas Canteen envisioned a collaborative effort, integrating technological innovation with a genuine commitment to health equity. By doing so, they aimed to create inclusive, affordable, and impactful solutions that comprehensively addressed hydration disparities.
Caracas Canteen’s long-term vision is to become an international leader in promoting water justice and equity. In the short term, they planned to initiate their efforts by encouraging people to increase their water intake, focusing on communities of color and those experiencing financial hardships. Water, a vital nutrient for achieving positive health and well-being, often remains insufficiently consumed by many. Caracas Canteen seeks to educate people on the importance of water and provide a solution for increasing and tracking water intake through their SMART water bottles.
The founders add a novel perspective to their work, as they are women of color who had firsthand experiences of limited access to clean water. They prioritize communities most impacted by water justice issues, viewing it not only as a health equity problem but also as a racial and economic equity issue. Caracas Canteen aims for a culture shift, challenging the traditional view of innovation that restricted access to those with more privilege. For them, innovation meant making technologies that increase water intake accessible to all communities, especially those historically excluded from such benefits. Through their commitment to inclusion, Caracas Canteen embarks on a journey to reshape the landscape of water justice and equity.
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
We first crossed paths at the annual leadership retreat hosted by the Office of Multicultural Affairs at Tulane University. Both of us were deeply involved on campus, holding roles as Community Engagement Advocates. Our shared commitment to social justice and advocacy for underrepresented communities immediately sparked a connection between them. During the retreat, we found ourselves engaged in passionate discussions about the challenges faced by marginalized communities, particularly communities of color. Our shared experiences as graduate students of color further solidified our bond, as we navigated similar academic and personal journeys.
As the retreat progressed, we discovered that we not only shared common goals but also complementary skills and perspectives. With combined backgrounds in psychological research and expertise in public health policy created a powerful synergy, laying the foundation for a dynamic partnership.
Our friendship flourished beyond the retreat, as we continued to collaborate on various campus initiatives aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Whether organizing events, advocating for policy changes, or supporting fellow students, we were a formidable team, driven by our shared values and passion for social change.
It was during one of our late-night brainstorming sessions that the idea for Caracas Canteen began to take shape. Reflecting on the pervasive disparities in nutrition and health outcomes among marginalized communities, we saw an opportunity to make a tangible impact. Drawing on our respective backgrounds and expertise, we envisioned a solution that would not only promote hydration but also address broader health disparities.
With our shared vision and unwavering determination, we embarked on the journey of entrepreneurship, co-founding Caracas Canteen. Our friendship, rooted in shared values and mutual respect, provided a solid foundation for our partnership as we navigated the challenges and triumphs of starting a business together.
Today, we stand as co-founders and business partners, united by our commitment to promoting health equity and empowering underserved communities. Our journey from college friends to co-founders is a testament to the transformative power of collaboration, friendship, and shared purpose.
How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.
Why We Use Both Amazon and Square:
Amazon:
*Pros:
Visibility and Reach: Amazon acts as a powerful channel for exposure due to its massive user base. Products can be easily discovered through keyword searches, which is invaluable for reaching customers who might not be familiar with our brand.
Support Programs and Features: We have significantly benefited from Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator, which provided advertising funds and free imaging services. Additionally, Amazon’s search filters allow customers to specifically look for women-owned, Black-owned, and small businesses, which is crucial for shoppers intent on supporting these groups.
*Cons:
Higher Fees: While Amazon offers numerous benefits, the associated fees are considerably higher, impacting our profit margins.
Limited Personalization: The ability to personalize our storefront and share our brand story on Amazon is restricted compared to what we can do on our own site.
Square Site:
*Pros:
Greater Control and Personalization: Our Square site not only allows for comprehensive control over sales promotions such as BOGO deals and unique discount codes but also enables us to deeply share our brand’s story and ethos. This level of personalization helps strengthen our connection with customers.
Lower Fees: Operating on Square comes with fewer fees than Amazon, helping to maintain healthier profit margins.
*Cons:
Smaller Reach: Despite offering greater control and personalization, our Square site does not naturally attract as much traffic as Amazon. We are compelled to invest more in marketing to draw visitors to our site.
By using both Amazon and our Square site, we effectively balance the extensive reach provided by Amazon with the detailed control and personalization available on our own site. Amazon not only serves as a vast marketplace with supportive features for diverse business types but also helps in attracting a targeted audience through its specific search capabilities. On the other hand, our Square site offers the flexibility and reduced operational costs essential for customizing our marketing strategies and building closer customer relationships.
This dual-platform strategy ensures that we can maximize visibility while also offering a personalized shopping experience to our customers, aligning perfectly with our goals for comprehensive market presence and community-focused engagement in the ecommerce landscape.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://caracascanteen.square.site/
- Instagram: caracascanteen
- Facebook: fb.com/caracascanteen
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamiya-stewart ; https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-santos-b77682161/
- Other: Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/stores/CaracasCanteen/page/DE34D3F2-F135-43B5-BD39-918C63082511?ref_=ast_bln