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Success Story: José Antonio Luna Mandujano
José Antonio has a story of pain but also hope. Originally from Mexico’s Oxaqueña province, José immigrated to the United States but became a victim of human trafficking at age 35. Rescued by his parents, he one day told his story for an informative video in the States. Through that process, he connected with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) SBDC in San Diego as well as business advisor Sandra Fernandez.
José worked with the IRC SBDC to create a “mini restaurant” — or tamale stand — transportable as well as integrating tables, chairs, and decorations for a location. His approach is bringing the Oaxacan gastronomy to the States, helping it to not be forgotten but flourish, he says.
The entrepreneur adds how the IRC SBDC not only gave him the financial support, tools, and knowledge to serve as a restaurant manager for years in San Diego County but also reconfirms “that I am not a lost cause and that I am not and will not be what I was made to be.”
“I had the honor of working with Sandra Fernandez, who had a passion for her work and my dreams. Sandra has made me believe in myself again. Something that I no longer visualized.”
José credits the IRC SBDC and Sandra with wonderful help, understanding, support, dedication, and patience. He says today he’s finally conquering the American Dream, and this is the end of the beginning because there’s still much to do.
Areas of Assistance
Gained financial assistance as well as tools and skills
Immigrant-owned
Economic Impact
Gaining $500 in capital funding
Location
San Diego, CA 92101
“I had the honor of working with Sandra Fernandez, who had a passion for her work and my dreams. Sandra has made me believe in myself again. Something that I no longer visualized.”
