A dream that began with an opportunity has now become a reality.
Dayana Herrera and Jesús Valido are the owners of Sabor Cubano, a restaurant they opened just a few months ago after receiving training through LifeWise StL’s small business class for Spanish speakers. Participants spent 9 weeks learning topics like marketing, taxes, technology, business strategy, and more.
With the support of teacher René Vences and his employer Carrollton Bank, an institution that has supported LifeWise for more than 15 years, they have grown from a home-based business to a brick-and-mortar restaurant.
Dayana and Jesús serve homemade (from scratch) authentic Cuban dishes in the new restaurant they opened in Boulevard Heights, St. Louis. Sabor Cubano literally translates to “Cuban flavor.”
“We are very grateful to LifeWise StL and René for helping us make our dream a reality,” Dayana shared.
On September 24, Dayana and Jesús returned to LifeWise StL — this time as entrepreneurs — to provide catering for an event that brought together representatives and friends of Della Lamb from Kansas City. It was an opportunity to showcase their Cuban dishes and connection with LifeWise StL.
Their story reflects the power of opportunity: learning, growing, starting a business, and then returning to serve others.
“Dayana began the business classes eager to learn. She appeared well-prepared and ready to launch her business, but she just needed that extra push — provided by the classes, and Rene’s guidance and experience — to turn her business into reality,” said Mayda Paredes, MA, CFSW, Assistant Director of Economic Wellness.
Sabor Cubano is one of so many success stories — and a reminder of the many more stories that are still waiting to be written. LifeWise StL equips individuals and families, strengthens communities, and helps turn dreams into opportunities.
