Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jessica Pinto. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Jessica, thanks for joining us today. What’s something crazy on unexpected that’s happened to you or your business

Hello, my name is Jessica.. I was born and raised in Brooklyn Ny . I have 3 wonderful children, jalyssa , jelicity and Xavier . I started my business when my son was 2 years old . I was a employee at Home Depot . I started to do empanadas and sell them to my colleagues. I noticed everyone was loving it so I started to go up a notch and I did plates . And , that was a hit ! I started to get my license and permits so I could be able to go full time with it so I did. I did catering for weddings, birthday parties and much more. In March of 2019 I was hit with news that left me speechless but also confused ! My Doctor has reported to me saying I have been diagnosed with Lupus. Not only was I confused but I thought my life was over! . I had to make a wise choice and listen to the doctor. I needed to leave New York for my health the cold will hurt my bones and all . I decided that I would move to Orlando florida the shinning state . I moved here not knowing anything or anyone as far as friends . My focus was to get the catering business going and it was hard florida really gave it to me ! Networking was like the biggest thing out here ! I met a man who is now my right hand through it all . He knew what my dream was and knew it will bring me happiness ! He helped me get my first food truck with hard work and dedication and determination we saved and I hustled hard and we got my first food truck ! I was super excited that I had my first event at lake Nona adventure park with lake Nona social. The event was Rockin taco “ it was going to be my first grand opening with everyone excited waiting for me . Then it all came down n my way to the event we got hit by a car that kept going from the scene he or she didn’t stop . Not only did I just see my gif trailer get destroyed in front of my eyes I thought I was gonna loose my boyfriend and his son . Lucky the trailer detached itself from the truck. I was beyond stressed depressed and I didn’t want to do anything . With a family member his sister Diana she started a go fund me to help me get back on my feet to get my trailer again . Besides Diana I had a few other who helped me with a fundraiser. Kristina, jimmy, Venice . They put a documentary of my accident and helped raised funds. I was so emotionally happy I couldn’t believe that there is actually ppl with hearts. Once the fundraiser happened we raised enough to get back up enough to get another trailer and few other things. The man who looked at my trailer said it couldn’t be fixed. My boyfriend had to help out in getting the stuff we needed as well so I had support from everyone! We finally got my trailer done window stove and all after a year of hard work and dedication. March of 2022 I finally got my food truck inspection and I passed! I was beyond excited and filled with so much joy! As I liked for a location for my trailer to park so I can start selling my amazing authentic Latin food I found a place on Washington st. I started on April 1 . Two months after I open what could happen ? My trailer was broken into and someone robbed me . They stole my generator. Beyond all the frustration and hurt and depression I just couldn’t . I asked why me ? Why ? Why again like when is it going to be enough! I didn’t give up I put up a table with a grill and started to cook in front of my trailer with pride I couldn’t let them win. My boyfriend couldn’t see me in the sun or anything because of my lupus so he went and purchased another one for me which I’m so grateful for . I open back up and a month later someone broke in again and this time was trying to ripe the water pump from under my sink . Lucky they didn’t get to take it . I asked got to please lead me the way . I couldn’t be at this location any longer just to much I was loosing money and things just kept happening. In September I received a phone from a man saying hey I need the title to the trailer . So now I’m confused I say what trailer . He states he just purchased a trailer from the man who told me that my trailer was no good . So now what I just been robbed . I told him you want the title I want $5k since I had to purchase one after he told me that the one I had was no longer good . In late September I get a phone call a friend of mine said there is a place looking for a food truck in downtown and I didn’t event wait I went to see the owner and I said yes yes yes . I am not in Ivanhoe orlando and with the art bar which have given me the opportunity to place my food truck here and I love it . I feel safe and no worries anymore

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started this because I was a single mom with 3 kids and I needed that extra income. But, it was more of my talent and what I loved to do more than anything . I glad I never gave up and I had ppl rooting for me if it wasn’t for them I would have given up long time ago

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I never gave up . I continue to still introduce myself to everyone . Went to networking meetings and did so much social media and it was my push . I had to show ppl no matter what we go through there is always space to get back up .

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Learning how to network and learning ways to get out more !

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Www.instagram.com/jfrituras_catering

Image Credits
Me