Ms.May2022
Stephannie Alcazar
of Wonderlands Soothing Creations
#LATINAHERSTORY #MAY2022
I don’t think I ever fully believed in myself fully until I
started writing this column. Honestly I’ve spent most of my life scared of nothin.
Writing I have gotten to know myself and my dreams again. As I started to follow another dream of
forming my LLC (limited Liability Corporation) I reflected on the commonalities
in my experience and in the experiences shared by some of the latinaherstory
alumni. It seemed – like life- being in business was harder – just because I
was Latina.
I remember searching for Latina owned businesses to work with for
Latinaherstory and it was hard. I realized what I was looking for didn’t exist:
(1) a centralized listing of LatinA OWNED businesses (that was inclusive of at
home or small niche businesses that are characteristic of our core economies of
our community); and (2) a group of women that I shared common values and life
experiences with that I could talk to about business. So late one night on our latinaherstory page subtly I added a
tab that read “Latina Business Directory”.
Turns out, It’s the only one in the state of New York. It’s the
only page exclusively dedicated to Latina businesses in New York accompanied by
private community that’s free. Its history ironically, 1 month in or so we had
a gathering, we had 15 seats we sold 19 tickets, we outsold. We started a
community digitally and that has grown into 40 plus Latina women and our
allies. One of the women in attendance name was Stephannie Alcazar (two nn’s on
purpose), a woman who brought the spirit of the city of lions (a nickname for
Ponce) to the table.
Stephanie is the woman who will marry my two projects, who
embodies the values that have propelled me forward, and a work ethic incomprehensible
to even some of the toughest moms I know. Thus going forward our Latinaherstory
features each month will be businesswoman listed on our directory. Each month
we will marry our column with a podcast broadcasted on facebook that will bring
our communities together and encourage others to learn about independent latino
owned papers and local journalism. We will ultimately form a fund to build a
giving circle and issue microloans to our own members. Big dreams and I need
big help, so again Stephannie.
In 200 words or so, she has the courage to believe in people more
than they believe in themselves. Ella de Ponce, fuerte, elegante, inteligente,
sensitiva, and easily one of the most generous people I have ever met. Spoiler
alert, there’s a lot more to this amazing woman who also happens to be the
proud Latina owner of “Wonderland’s Soothing Creations”. She will be everywhere
for the month of May. Look for her interview in print in our papers, and if you
want to catch a glimpse of her live join our Latinaherstory or
LatinasinBusinessNY communities and view the first episode of our podcast.
The reason I chose to write about Stephannie, is not because she’s
donating 40% of her profits to LatinasinBusinessNY and granting 10% off on her
entire shop for the month of may for any purchases using the Promo Code:
LIBNY716 or because she makes me feel like I can take over the world.
Its because when you open yourself up to god’s love in the form of
people it can be a very powerful blessing.
Even her “formation story” (the story of why you started your
business) is inspirational. Stephanie’s motivation to start her business
centers on her love for her special needs son and his sensitivity to harsh indigents.
She started making soap as a mom (her favorite job). One of her greatest assets
(admittingly) is her partner in life and in business Joe Santiago, he suggested
they start a business after Stephannie lost her job during Covid and she hasn’t
looked back since.
Stephannie wakes at 5am and makes latinaherstory everyday- support
her like you do our column.
Look for Stephannie's Interview in print in:
Buffalo Latino Village
Panorama Hispano News
La Ultima Hora
CNY Latino Newspaper