Margarita Starts Her Business with Just $13
Name of Business: Café Alegre
Business Type: Breakfast Restaurant
Location: Peru
We are the Sánchez family, a family of six and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My name is Margarita, and I live with my husband, Virgilio, and our four children: Joy, Virgeth, Gazelem, and Elsa.
In 2019, we were struggling financially, and it felt like there was no way out or solution to our challenges. We discovered the Academy at a crucial moment in our lives. I remember the first class like it was yesterday. It felt like a ray of light cutting through the darkness. I went alone while my husband stayed home to take care of the children. That night, when I got back, I couldn’t wait to share with him everything I had learned. He was so excited and immediately wanted to join me. We made arrangements to bring our kids along to the classes. We had an old van that we put a mattress in to make it comfortable for them. I packed water, snacks, and some bread and told our children, “Mom and Dad are going to be in training, so you need to help us by behaving.” And they did, allowing us to focus and soak in every lesson the Academy offered.
Through the Academy’s guidance, we tried different business ideas. During the pandemic, we started selling masks and gloves, and it went well for a while, but the business eventually failed. Then, we launched a breakfast business called “Jahuéquiate,” which means “breakfast” in Shipibo. We had some success with this too, but deep down, I felt like something was still missing. We took the Academy’s courses again and invited a friend and mentor from the program to our home. Every time he visited, I asked him questions, seeking his advice. His encouragement was like a spark, inspiring us to keep going even when things got tough.
In 2022, my husband was called as bishop. It was a blessing, but it also meant new responsibilities. In early 2023, we were once again struggling financially, and I felt desperate. I reminded Virgilio of all the principles we had learned in the Academy, the importance of self-sufficiency, and the lessons from the Get Started Now course. I said, “How can we teach others self-sufficiency if we’re not practicing it ourselves?”
We agreed to try again, determined not to give up. With just 50 soles (approximately $13), we bought supplies and started selling breakfasts once more. This time, we approached it differently. We carefully tracked our income and expenses, created budgets, and delegated responsibilities, even involving our children in the business. Before heading out to sell, we’d gather to pray as a family. We tracked everything, making sure that we knew our breakeven point.
When we were invited to the Academy Awards, we felt ready to share our progress. But there was one hurdle left—our business name, Jahuéquiate, was hard for people to understand. My friend Daniel once again offered wise advice, encouraging me to come up with a new name. That’s how our business became Café Alegre. The name felt right, and even my husband loved it.
Today, Café Alegre doesn’t just sell breakfast. We’ve expanded to offer snacks and desserts as well. I’ve started studying pastry and baking, adding new skills to serve our customers. I’m excited to continue learning with the Academy and have already signed up for the “Grow Now” course. The journey hasn’t been easy, but I know that God lives and that He always provides a way. There is always light, even in the darkest of times.
I’ve begun sharing with others what I learned, and it fills me with joy to see them finding hope as well. To the Academy, I say thank you. Thank you for your patience and for teaching us again and again until we understood. I am proud of what we’ve built, and I am grateful every day for the light that has guided us here.
