When Celina first began crafting hair bows for her daughter, she had no idea that one day it would blossom into a thriving small business. It all started over a decade ago, when her daughter was born. Celina and her husband had no family nearby, having moved to the Bay Area from Mexico, and had just each other and their children. Making accessories was simply an act of love for her daughter, not a business plan.
But on the soccer field, other parents noticed the bows and began asking where they came from. Her husband encouraged her to start selling them. Little by little, she did. Her first customers were fellow soccer moms. She promoted her handmade work on OfferUp and Facebook, and though sales were modest at first, she never stopped creating.
For years, Celina navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship independently. She juggled everything from permits to pricing to promotion without formal training or support. “I didn’t even see myself as a real business owner,” she shares. “I had the business, but I didn’t believe in myself yet.”
Then one day, Dayana, a former entrepreneur now working for the county, invited her to speak about her journey. Celina shared her story, and in that room she learned about Prospera. That same day, she signed up for her first workshop and soon attended the annual Summit. “It was a before-and-after moment for me,” she says. “From the first time I connected with Prospera, I felt like I belonged. There was always something new to learn, and I wasn’t alone anymore.”
Since that day, Celina has participated in nearly every program Prospera offers: Crece, Planea tu Negocio, Lanza, the Bootcamp, and now Acompaña—a high-touch incubator program. Remarkably, Planea tu Negocio was the first time she had written a formal business plan, even after nearly nine years in business.
The personalized advising she receives through Acompaña has been especially meaningful. “The workshops are great, but the one-on-one support—that’s where the magic happens. It’s about my business, my vision, and my growth.”
“I was so excited when I got in. In just six months, it changed my entire business.”
– Celina Luna, owner of IKSI Accesories
Through these programs, Celina gained not only tools but also confidence. “Prospera helped me believe in myself. They reminded me that I’m the most important part of my business.”
With Prospera’s support, Celina gained the confidence she hadn’t known she was looking for. “They reminded me that I’m the most important part of my business.”
That belief led to action. She opened a business bank account, got her finances organized, and in February 2025, invested in a DTF printer to expand into custom apparel, digital designs, and more. She also began building an emergency fund to separate business and personal expenses.
One of the most transformative aspects of Prospera’s support, Celina says, is the focus on holistic wellbeing. “Being a mom, wife, and entrepreneur—it’s easy to forget about yourself. The workshops became my time, a space for me.”
She also stepped into new territory, hosting her first workshop. During the slower summer season, she taught a bow-making class for young girls. Despite her nerves, 11 girls showed up to her workshop in the summer of 2025. With support from her advisor, she learned to price her services more confidently and promote the event on social media. “I was able to expand what I offer and push through my fears.”
Today, Celina is thriving. She’s not just selling handmade goods—she’s building a sustainable business, connecting with fellow entrepreneurs, and showing up for herself in ways she never had before.
Most of all, she’s found a community that sees her. “There needs to be more spaces like Prospera. So many people still don’t know help like this exists.”
From the soccer fields to strategy sessions, Celina’s journey reminds us that entrepreneurship isn’t just about products, it’s about people. And when Latina entrepreneurs are seen, supported, and celebrated, their businesses and their lives flourish.
