By: Joshua Finley

When SalsaQueen Zapata (yes, that’s her real name!) immigrated to America from Mexico, the odds were stacked against her. She spoke no English, didn’t complete high school, had work experience, and relied on food stamps to survive as a twice-divorced single mom with seven mouths to feed.

But Zapata had grit, passion, and a vision for more.

Through dedication and hard work, along with support from her husband, Jim Birch, Zapata developed her homemade salsa side business into Salsa Queen, now a widely recognized brand in the industry.

Zapata’s against-all-odds journey from poverty to prosperity holds key lessons for women entrepreneurs seeking to turn struggle into success, which are as follows:

Build on Existing Passions

Even as a young girl in Mexico, Zapata felt drawn to cooking. “I’ve been cooking since I was six years old,” she shares. “I was making mud tacos, putting water in dirt.”

When launching her business, Zapata returned to this early passion. She decided to produce homemade salsas, enlisting her children to help prep ingredients.

“Find something you really love and are passionate about, and make money out of that passion,” Zapata advises aspiring entrepreneurs. Leaning on existing talents and interests can provide the intrinsic fuel to power through obstacles.

Surround Yourself with Support

As a minority woman with limited English and education, Zapata needed backing to push past barriers.

Her husband, Jim Birch, provided crucial support. “He asked me what I would like to do, and that was the first time anybody had asked me what I would like to do,” Zapata explains.

Birch’s unrelenting belief in Zapata’s abilities gave her confidence. “He believed in me when I couldn’t see it in myself,” she says.

Zapata urges women to build a “healthy group of people” for encouragement. “You can’t be with toxic people and expect to grow,” she notes. Having her husband’s backing was central to her success.

Learn as You Go

Zapata didn’t have a business plan or pathway. She learned by diving in.

Salsa Queen began informally, with Zapata’s family making salsas in her kitchen and selling jars in parking lots. Through trial and error, the business found its footing in local markets and stores.

This willingness to learn by doing is vital for entrepreneurs, especially those lacking formal training. When Zapata secured a pivotal meeting with a major grocery buyer, she showed up eager but unpolished, wearing an apron and carrying samples in a Costco bag. Still, the buyer saw her potential.

As women, we can feel pressure to have all the skills and knowledge before starting out. Zapata’s journey shows that drive and hunger can outweigh education.

Turn Setbacks into Strength

Zapata’s path wasn’t always smooth. Early on, a dispute with her husband lit a fire under her. “I was going to show him how strong I was,” Zapata remembers. “I think it was more like I’m going to show myself how strong I am.”

She channeled the anger into a cold call to Kroger’s that ended up landing her products on grocery store shelves. “Take setbacks and turn them into fuel,” Zapata advises. Driving forward after disasters and breakups provided vital motivation.

Remember Your “Why”

When times get tough, Zapata reflected on her deeper purpose. “I didn’t come to America, the land of opportunities and dreams, to live off the government,” she explains. Salsa Queen envisioned breaking the poverty cycle for her family. This motivation pushed her past exhaustion and setbacks.

“Have a very clear ‘why’ behind what you’re pursuing,” Zapata suggests. Your values and vision can provide stamina when the road gets rocky.

Make It a Family Affair

Salsa Queen has always been a family business for Zapata. She involved her children in operations from the beginning. Even her company’s logo honors her late son’s memory. Today, four of Zapata’s seven children work with Salsa Queen. Zapata’s husband also joined full time, quitting his banking career.

“Don’t be afraid to involve your family,” Zapata says. Blending business and family isn’t always easy, but it can fortify your “why.” Having loved ones alongside her on the journey made the difficult road rewarding.

“I was able to turn my life around 100% with everything against me,” says Zapata. She hopes her story inspires other women to pursue their dreams despite long odds. “The opportunities are here,” Zapata emphasizes. “If you’re not successful in this country, it’s because you don’t want to be.”

Published by: Nelly Chavez