We recently had the chance to connect with Yesenia Davila and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Yesenia, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
Normal day:
Wake up between 545am and 6am
Take out dog to potty
Pack up lunches
Get dressed and ready
Get the kiddo up and going
Leave the house by 730am
Depends on the day if we have physical therapy
Work from 9-5
Come home
Cook dinner
Wash clothes
Clean up messes
Get everything ready for the next day.
Plus or minus one or two more things for the day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! My name is Yesenia and I am the owner of Titas Raspas. We started the business venture back in 2023 when our trailer was purchased. Growing up my grandmother owned her own snowcone stand for 15 years plus. I worked with her every summer and that is where my interest grew! We specialize in our homemade flavors made from fresh fruit. Everyone can make snowcones, but the homemade flavors is what makes us stand out. Our number top selling snowcones are the leche con crema and the chamoyada.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My grandmother is the first person I can remember really instilling in me what hard work brings to you. She was a custodian for a local school district and then retired after she had an injury while working. After her early retirement she moved on to making snowcones during the summer and making breakfast tacos, barbacoa, and menudo during the winter months out of the same location. She inspired me to hustle to get what you want in life and never have to ask anyone for help. But she also taught me to always lend a helping hand to those in need.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I almost gave up once in my life, I was in dental hygiene school when my oldest daughter passed away. At that moment I did not know what life would be without her. I was going to school to be able to provide her with all of hers needs and then in between my first and second semester she passes away unexpectedly. Talk about the world came to a complete stop in my life. I did not know how I could move past this moment. But one thing about me is I am the most stubborn person you will ever meet. I did try to give up certain days but that’s just a human grieving. With time I learned to manage my grief and be able to fully function. I cannot give myself all the credit, God, my family and also friends I made in the program came push and uplift me when I was down. To this day I look back and think about almost giving everything up and how this would have affected me in what I do this day.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lies is what people see, easy money. You cannot make the money without putting in an effort. I have always said, the sun rises for everyone, it is what you choose to do that day that makes you different from the rest. Everyone thinks it is super easy to shave ice and pour syrup over it and be done. Technically yes but they do not see all of the background work you need to do to get to that point. It takes time and lots of committed time to get you rolling and actually be on the positive side.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What will you regret not doing?
What will I regret not doing is taking the risk of starting a mobile snowcone business. Growing up helping my grandmother I always had a small dream to own my own business. As much as my grandmother would tell me to not get into this type of business the more I wanted it. I try not to have regrets in life. If it works out great, if it does not, move around and figure out what needs to be improved and make it great! My outlook in life is always glass half full!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Titas Raspas
- Facebook: Titas Raspas
