Latina entrepreneurs in the United States strive hard and are now owning small businesses despite being undocumented immigrants.

It is not rare to hear of members of the Latino community succeeding in the United States. However, it can be difficult, especially if they have problems with immigration status. Unfortunately, undocumented immigrants typically have low paying jobs.

An estimated 10 to 12 million undocumented immigrants are living the U.S. Being undocumented means that they would have a social security number and therefore, would be exempt from most high paying jobs.

However, this did not hinder three Latinas who proved that they could become successful despite their immigration status. Their hard work and perseverance show that no matter your legality, anyone can become successful in the United States of America.

Here are the success stories of three Latinas who thrive to achieve their dreams in life:

Rosa Torres

Rosa Torres was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and she moved to the U.S. with her mother at the age of six. She is now a student at a State University in San Bernardino. Due to her status as an undocumented immigrant, she will not be receiving a stimulus check during the pandemic.

This reality led her to establish the Floreria Esperanza, a business selling custom flower arrangements using Instagram.

Meanwhile, Torres also has a full-time job where she earns $11 an hour while managing the Floreria Esperanza in her free time.

In an interview, she said: "During this time you have to do everything possible to bring in extra money. Such social media platforms have helped me gain new customers by simply sharing a picture or video of my products. The goal that I have for myself is to start selling flowers at farmer's markets once I am done with my college degree. I want to start furthering my business in hopes that I can leave behind the job I currently have."

The Floreria Esperanza now receives more orders since it was established. Their most ordered crafts are floral bears to half-chocolate or half-floral gift boxes to the traditional rose bouquet.

Martiza Gomez

She was nine years old when her family decided to move to the United States. She grew up in Orange County and currently calls Riverside County home. Martiza Gomez is the founder of Folkloricwear and MG Custom Printing.

She sells Mexican-inspired folk apparel handmade by her mother and customized printed products like Latin-theme mugs. 

Her journey towards success was not that easy. She worked in a shoe store making $30 a day with a nine-hour shift six days a week, and at the same time, she attended community college.

She used her low wage to pay her tuition fees, and after nine years, she received an associate's degree. She returned to school to study entrepreneurship in 2012 with help from the California Dream Act. In her years of study, she created a business plan and received support from the Inland Empire Women's Business Center.

Today, she is not just an entrepreneur but also sits on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Women's Business Owners- Inland Empire Chapter and is a proud graduate of California State University in San Bernardino.

Yaquelin Hernandez

Her story of success is something very unique. Before she became a successful entrepreneur, she worked as a full-time nanny for five years. Now, she works full-time, creating and selling handcrafted earrings and accessories. 

She also works as a freelance photographer and promotes her artwork through her Instagram account lavida.dacolores, which she launched in January 2019.

She said: "[The photography] is my main income because it's faster money in a shorter time. They are both growing, but I don't think I can choose between them. They both bring different magical things in my life." 

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