West Coast of Florida Clients: Yelkis and Yurelkys La Fe Herrera
Creating a Different Kind of Food Business
Yelkis and Yurelkys La Fe Herrera envisioned a food business where quality ingredients, accessibility, and a healthier approach to the workplace could coexist. After working in the Latin food industry, they wanted to create an environment that reflected their own values while giving them the freedom to express their creativity through food. That vision became KE’KAI FOOD, LLC, launched in mid-2021 and focused on preparing wholesome food inspired by the kind of home cooking passed down through generations, adapted for today’s customers. For Yelkis and Yurelkys, building the business also meant learning how to manage responsibilities that extended far beyond cooking. Food costing, resource and personnel management, leadership, and understanding their own roles within the company presented significant challenges as they developed KE’KAI FOOD.
From an Idea to a Growing Business
Yelkis and Yurelkys first connected with Prospera in August 2020. At the time, their food truck was still an idea, and they turned to the organization for support to make it a reality. Through Prospera’s personalized business consulting, seminars, and business advancement services, they received guidance on financial matters, licensing, business planning, legal considerations, and accounting as they prepared to open their doors to the public.
In 2026, Yelkis and Yurelkys returned to Prospera for support during a new stage of the business. This time, the assistance included a marketing plan that provided an in-depth look at what KE’KAI FOOD had accomplished and opportunities for continued growth. Prospera also helped connect Yelkis and Yurelkys with a bank and supported them through the process of obtaining financing to purchase a newer, larger food truck, giving the business additional capacity and opening new possibilities for its development.
Discovering What’s Possible
For Yelkis and Yurelkys, the impact of working with Prospera extends beyond the individual services they have received. The resources and continued guidance have helped them gain greater clarity as business owners and recognize possibilities they may not have considered on their own. Reflecting on the experience, they explain, “Every time we meet with Prospera and see the resources available, we realize how many things we can do. It helps us see our own potential.” Their aspirations now extend beyond the food truck itself. Their long-term goal is to create a permanent location where good food, culture, and community can come together, continuing the values that inspired them to start the business in the first place.
Yelkis and Yurelkys began KE’KAI FOOD with an idea of what a food business could look and feel like, both for the people it serves and those working within it. Since then, they have continued learning how to pair their original vision with practical skills and available resources to advance their business. Their journey has reinforced the importance of seeking support, exploring new opportunities, and connecting with organizations like Prospera, lessons they now encourage other entrepreneurs to consider as they pursue their own business goals.
