Adjacent to a childcare center that Pear runs, Sol Food’s kitchen offers a menu featuring tacos, nachos, pasta, and po’ boy sandwiches—all crafted with Sol Sauce, her signature creation. But getting Sol Food up and running did not come without its challenges. Pear struggled with reaching more customers and making ends meet between her two ventures.
Determined to pursue her culinary dream, Pear connected to IRC’s Small Business Program and began working with her Counselor to tackle these obstacles. Together, they developed a marketing plan to create social media videos, a YouTube channel, and plant-based cooking classes. Her Counselor also supported her in financial education and planning, registering a permanent address for her business, and applying for two business grants. Once approved, Pear wishes to use these funds to revamp her equipment and create a website.
Today, Sol Foods has a loyal customer base and a full schedule of pop-up markets, food festivals, and farmers’ markets. As her business grows and evolves, Pear remains steadfast in her commitment to her community’s health and awareness.