We had the good fortune of connecting with Shara Castaneda Hernandez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shara, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
We love to give back to our community whenever we can in several ways . Whether it’s doing volunteer work, donations, and by shopping & supporting small local businesses . My favorite thing is hosting donation drives all year long & knowing how many people it will help

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
One of the lessons I’ve learned is never to give up . Just because you see others moving forward faster does not mean you aren’t doing a good job .

I am a full time mom / caregiver to a little girl who received a heart transplant as a baby . It’s never to late to start on your dreams . It might not be easy but it is not impossible. I hope with time i can expand my business and offer my items all over the USA . I want my brand to not only be a store that sells items but to be able to expand and maybe open up my own non profit

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take them to all the local pop up events that happen weekly . There is a lot to do at each event & there’s always yummy food & drinks . I love to eat so we would have to make a handful of stops to all my favorite places like my aunts restaurant in DuncanVille, Tx . “Antojitos Rosy & Taqueria” she offers authentic Mexican , Italian and Tex mex food as well as other antojitos like mangonadas, churros & much more

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There is a lot of people i would like to thank . At a young age i remember seeing my aunts / uncles starting their small businesses from nothing & eventually opening up a brick & mortar store . I want to say i was maybe 7 years old when i started helping my family translate documents or in person conversations. As i got older i started getting more involved & taking on more tasks / responsibilities. I have so many great examples that helped me get to where i am .

Last but not least, our kids who are the inspiration for it all & my husband Jose deserves a shoutout. He goes along with most of my crazy ideas , joins me at pop up events even when the Texas heat is unbearable & he’s just getting out from his job . My friends have been amazing as well . From making purchases to sending referrals & always promoting all my small businesses.. (which have been many over the past years lol )

Website: Ourpinkcloset.bigcartel.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/ourpinkcloset

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shara-castañeda-317455a2

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Our-Pink-Closet-259948397928751/

Other: Second small business: ALLISONS CANDY LAND (Facebook & Instagram) @allisonscandyland Allisonscandyland.bigcartel.com

Image Credits
Nikky Mac Photography- picture of the little girl (isla) wearing our grinch set

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