Celebrating Immigrant Women Entrepreneurs: The Bold Stories Behind Every Dream
June is Immigrant Heritage Month. It’s a time to honor the powerful stories, traditions, and dreams that have shaped our communities. Among these are the journeys of immigrant women who dare to dream big, creating businesses that blend cultural heritage with bold innovation. These women aren’t just entrepreneurs; they’re changemakers, proving that resilience and authenticity are the ultimate tools for success.
Roots That Inspire: Where It All Begins
For Jessica E. Zavala Monzalvo, founder of SBJ Esntls and Amá, the story begins in La Estanzuela, Hidalgo, Mexico. Her family’s journey to the U.S. was fueled by hope and an unrelenting drive to create something better.
"Like many others, they came to the U.S. in search of opportunity, to build a new life, and support loved ones. Their journey is layered, but at the heart of it was the hope for something more."
From her grandfather’s tireless work in the fields to her grandmother’s herbal wisdom, Jessica grew up surrounded by lessons in perseverance and creativity.
"I come from a line of dreamers, hard workers, and caretakers. My grandfather worked the fields from sunrise to sunset, my grandmother tended to roses and animals on the farm, my mother sold milk in our pueblo, and my father was always daydreaming about music. Keeping my ancestors close and remembering their sacrifices— they give me the wings to fly." 🦋
These roots ground her entrepreneurial journey and inspire her to honor her heritage in every decision she makes.
Turning Heritage Into Hustle
What makes immigrant-owned businesses so unique? It’s the way they seamlessly weave tradition into innovation. Jessica’s businesses, SBJ Esntls, a skincare line inspired by Latin American ingredients, and Amá, a brow, lash, and facial studio, reflect her deep cultural pride.
"When my mom visits from Mexico, she offers limpias at my studio. Her energetic cleanse, her care, and the compassion she pours into each limpia is enough to ground anyone. The smell of herbs and the subtle mist of rose water feels like my aura is being baptized. It’s a reset that allows me to keep showing up as my best self."
Jessica’s ability to bring her heritage to life creates an authentic experience for her clients, reminding them that self-care is a deeply personal and cultural practice.
Overcoming Obstacles With Heart
Starting a business is never easy, but for immigrant women, the challenges can feel insurmountable. Jessica speaks candidly about her struggle with imposter syndrome— those nagging doubts that question her worth and ability.
"Imposter syndrome. I still fight it to this day. That ‘Am I good enough? Do I deserve this?’ feeling. But little by little, that thickkkkkk layer of ice is thawing away. Because the truth is, this fire in my heart to do what I do wouldn’t be there if I wasn’t meant for it."
Her advice? "Remember that NOTHING is impossible, that you belong in any room you step into & that you are soooo worthy of everything that is coming your way bc you are good enough."
Building Community, One Dream at a Time
Jessica’s businesses are more than just places to shop or relax, they’re spaces of connection and healing. Through events like the Heart to Heart Plática & Flower Limpia, she’s fostered a sense of belonging and empowerment among her clients.
"We’ve always been a community-first brand. One of the many special moments I’ve experienced through SBJ Esntls was hosting our Heart to Heart Plática & Flower Limpia with Nancy from Illumina Tu Alma x Tadin Teas. It was so beautiful."
Her mini-series, Generational Gems™, celebrates the wisdom and resilience of immigrant women in her neighborhood, giving them the platform they deserve.
Shaping the Future With Resilience
Immigrant women entrepreneurs play a vital role in shaping the culture and economy of their communities. "We are the culture. We are the heartbeat, the flavor, the hustle, and the resilience that keeps everything moving forward."
Her vision for the future is open-ended, but one thing is certain, she’ll keep creating with purpose and pride.
"TBH I have no idea and I’m ok with that 💗"
Q+A
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The women in my life have always been my compass and a source of inspiration for who I want to be, and who I don’t want to become.
SBJ Esntls was inspired by my grandmother, the queen of self-care. I wanted to honor her herbal knowledge and love for all things beauty. Amá, my brow, lash and facial studio, was inspired by my monther. Her gentle touch, warm spirit, and wisdom live in that space for all that come to relax, reset and renew. I feel so proud to have a space that serves as a sanctuary for anyone who needs to feel cared for so they can step into the world as their best self.
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Simply put, there’s no one else like me. There is no other Jessica E Zavala Monzalvo in this universe who can give facials or create and conceptualize products the way I do.
We all share so many experiences, but each of us is still completely unique. That’s the magic.
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It’s infused into everything. From my skincare esntls, which are formulated with ingredients beloved in Latin America, to my mother offering limpias at Amá—it’s all rooted in my culture ⭐️💗🇲🇽
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“Shine Bright Like a Diamond” by Rihanna— that’s what my mom said.
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That it’s more than a transaction. You’re supporting a dream, a family, a fight to be seen and heard and more than likely the original blueprint to the dupes out there 🩷
Join the Movement: Support Immigrant Women Entrepreneurs
If you’re inspired by Jessica’s story, you can support her businesses and be part of this movement:
SBJ Esntls: @sbj_esntls | SBJ-esntls.com
Amá: @ama.losangeles (TikTok lovers, this is your go-to!)
This Immigrant Heritage Month, let’s celebrate the women who are redefining what it means to chase a dream. Their courage, creativity, and community spirit are shaping a future we can all be proud of.
P.s Chinga la migra 🇲🇽🫶🏾
