We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Elisa Irvolino a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Elisa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.

The Latino community often faces unique challenges when it comes to accessing resources that promote healthy living while honoring cultural traditions. From the affordability of fresh, nutritious ingredients to the lack of culturally relevant nutritional guidance, many Latinos struggle to find a balance between maintaining their heritage and embracing a healthier lifestyle. This creates a gap that leaves our community underserved and disconnected from the foods and practices that make our culture so rich.

I am on a mission to change that. Whether you’re a young professional, a busy parent, or a college student trying to navigate life, my goal is to help Latinos reconnect with their culture in meaningful ways—through food, traditions, and shared experiences. It’s about showing that you don’t have to sacrifice your roots to embrace healthier choices. Instead, we can adapt, honor our ancestors, and pass down a legacy of health and pride for generations to come.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Elisa, and I proudly call myself a Latina lifestyle blogger. Friends have lovingly dubbed me “The Latina Martha Stewart” because of my passion for creating beautifully decorated spaces, cooking healthy Latin-inspired meals, and helping Latinas live their best lives. My journey has been deeply shaped by my Dominican heritage and a lifelong love for creating connections through food, culture, and home.

I started my career in healthcare, managing offices and large teams for over 30 years. While I was successful, I always felt a pull toward something more personal and creative. That calling became clear when I realized my passion for helping others—especially Latinas—connect to their roots and create lives filled with beauty, health, and meaning.

Today, I offer a range of services and creative works designed to inspire and empower. Through my blog and social media channels, I share tips on home decor, healthy cooking, and embracing cultural traditions in everyday life. I also lead cooking classes, both in person and virtually, where I teach everything from Latin meal prep to budget-friendly cooking. I even host workshops like vision board classes and healing circles with my group, Hermanas Sacred Connection, which combines health, spirituality, and community.

What sets me apart is my deep connection to my heritage and my desire to provide Latinas with resources that are often lacking in our communities. I understand the challenges of eating healthy while honoring our culture and the struggles of juggling family, work, and self-care. My mission is to show that you don’t have to sacrifice your traditions—or yourself—to thrive.

I am most proud of creating a platform where Latinas feel seen, supported, and inspired. Whether it’s helping someone cook their first healthy Latin meal, decorate a space that feels like home, or take a step toward personal healing, I am here to remind Latinas that they are capable of achieving their dreams while staying true to their roots.

Ultimately, my work is about empowering women to live vibrant, fulfilling lives—and to pass down a legacy of culture, love, and pride to future generations. That’s what I want my clients, followers, and fans to know about me: I am here for you, with you, and because of you.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I started my blog thinking all Latinas need this! Well, through market research I realized that not all Latinas need my expertise. I had to niche down. My ideal client now is a first or second generation Latina. I am also pivoting away from only cooking segments. I have learned to lean into my true self. Which is really a creative that has a passion for helping others no matter what your budget is.

Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?

COVID was a really challenging time for me and my business. Before the pandemic, I was doing many in-house consultations, but that came to a sudden halt. People were also cutting back on spending, especially on things that felt non-essential, and I knew I had to adapt quickly. That’s when my blog was born. I realized I needed a way to share my talents and reach my audience in a way that felt authentic, accessible, and helpful, even during uncertain times.

Starting the blog allowed me to cater to modest-budget clients while staying true to my mission of empowering Latinas to create beautiful, healthy lives rooted in their heritage. It also gave me the chance to connect with a much wider audience and show them that even during difficult times, we can find ways to embrace creativity, culture, and community.

Looking back, the challenges of COVID forced me to grow as a business owner and a person. It taught me resilience, flexibility, and how to connect with my audience in new and meaningful ways. My blog is more than just content; it’s become a tool to inspire, educate, and help others, no matter their circumstances.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Elisairvolino.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisa.irvolino/profilecard/?igsh=MXYxcDNzeDh5eTBpMw==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/vBE1cuTAzEgZYB71/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elisa-irvolino-12a91721a?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app