North Carolina Client: Sena Ballon
Sena Ballon, a Peruvian entrepreneur with a vision to create something uniquely her own, launched Waffle Snacks World to bring an international twist to the food truck scene in Charlotte, North Carolina. Motivated by a desire to be her own boss, Sena was inspired by the rising popularity of food trucks and a special interest in waffles. With this in mind, she remodeled a 1970s horse trailer into a vibrant, one-of-a-kind food truck, officially starting operations in 2021.
Discovering Prospera for Guidance
As Sena was researching resources during the pandemic, she found Prospera online and connected with one of its consultants, Carlos, who guided her through virtual consultations. At the time, Sena needed help understanding the necessary steps to register her business and establish a solid foundation. Prospera’s workshops and seminars became essential tools for her, teaching her the basics and helping her keep up with essential updates in areas like marketing, accounting, and finance. With Prospera’s support, Sena gained the knowledge she needed to manage and grow her business successfully.
Serving Unique Treats with a Twist
Waffle Snacks World offers a variety of waffle treats on a stick, including three delicious bases: Belgian, chocolate, and red velvet. Sena’s creative menu allows customers to customize their waffles with an assortment of sweet sauces and toppings. Her seasonal menu adapts to customer needs, adding refreshing popsicles and ice pops during summer and offering hot drinks like coffee and cocoa in winter.
Beyond her unique culinary offerings, Sena’s business is proudly woman-owned and operated. While she manages the daily operations herself, she brings in additional help for larger events. Sena’s business name, “Waffle Snacks World,” reflects her passion for desserts from around the world. Alongside waffles, she originally sold treats like alfajores and collaborated with fellow entrepreneurs, helping them gain exposure even before they had formalized their own businesses.
Making a Community Impact
Waffle Snacks World goes beyond serving waffles; Sena is dedicated to giving back to her community. She collaborates with the American Cancer Association and the Sarcoma Foundation, regularly participating in their events for the past three years. Additionally, Sena works with local schools for special events, donating a portion of her sales to support school initiatives.
Words of Advice for Hispanic Entrepreneurs
For Sena, resilience and determination are key. She encourages fellow Hispanic entrepreneurs to “always follow their dreams,” adding, “It’s not an easy journey, but face the challenges head-on because the outcome is worth it. And the reward will come.”
With Prospera’s ongoing support and a commitment to both her business and community, Sena has turned Waffle Snacks World into a beloved local favorite, proving that dreams combined with hard work can bring sweet success. To learn more about Waffle Snacks World and its unique offerings, visit wafflesnacksworld.com.
