Learn about the innovative ways businesses have overcome adversity, whether it’s starting a new enterprise or keeping a multi-generation business alive, and the advice they have for others on how to keep their businesses on track.
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Learn about the innovative ways businesses have overcome adversity, whether it’s starting a new enterprise or keeping a multi-generation business alive, and the advice they have for others on how to keep their businesses on track.
Building Business Through Cultural Connection (Plena Mercancía)
Main Street Business Insights
37 minutes
3 months ago
Building Business Through Cultural Connection (Plena Mercancía)
Join host Matt Wagner for his conversation with Daphne Labault, owner of Plena Mercancía in Chicago, Illinois. In this episode, Daphne, a Puerto Rican entrepreneur, shares her inspiring journey opening a coffee shop that also serves as a cultural hub in Chicago. Daphne discusses the challenges she faced after Hurricane Maria, her passion for supporting Puerto Rican artisans, and the importance of community in her business model.
She highlights the invaluable support of The Puerto Rican Cultural Center (The PRCC), the realities of store ownership, and her vision of creating a supportive network for fellow entrepreneurs and artisans. Throughout the conversation, Daphne emphasizes the significance of creating meaningful connections with her customers and the role of her store in reconnecting the Puerto Rican diaspora with their culture.
Daphne received small business development support to open her storefront through The Puerto Rican Cultural Center’s Mercado del Pueblo on North Avenue in Humboldt Park, Chicago. The PRCC received construction and operating support for the site and its programs through The Hartford Small Business Accelerator Grant Program in partnership with Main Street America.
Connect:
Follow Plena Mercancía on Instagram
Check out the Puerto Rican Cultural Center
Learn more about The Hartford Small Business Accelerator Grant Program
Episode Links:
- Watch video interview
- Listen on Apple Podcasts
- Listen on Spotify
- Subscribe for updates
Main Street Business Insights
Learn about the innovative ways businesses have overcome adversity, whether it’s starting a new enterprise or keeping a multi-generation business alive, and the advice they have for others on how to keep their businesses on track.
