Jefas in Business
Meet Two Jefas, Pati Jinich and Johana Hernandez
Small businesses in America
remain a big deal: they contribute
greatly to our economy and
they reflect our culture. Case in
point—Hispanic-owned businesses are
growing faster than any other demographic
group in the country. Latinas
are fueling that growth, as business
ownership is something that they are
doing not only for themselves, but also
for their families.
We caught up with two successful
business owners building a legacy:
chef, author, and TV host Pati Jinich of
Pati’s Mexican Table, and haute couture
designer Johana Hernandez, owner of
international fashion label GLAUDI, who
recently collaborated on designing a
custom dress for Pati to wear at the
Hispanic Heritage Awards, sponsored
by Nationwide Insurance.
How did you get your start?
Johana: My family used to sew in
factories and my grandmother was a
designer. From my parents’ humble
beginnings, I learned early on how to
design.
Pati: For me, the path wasn’t so
straightforward. I was a political analyst
before I became a chef at the Mexican
Cultural Institute. Food was a passion
for me outside of work. I took a leap of
faith when I switched careers. Now I get
to work with what I love.
Having a reliable team on your side is
necessary to turn your vision into reality—
partners like Nationwide Insurance
brought us together.
What inspires you?
Johana: I’m inspired by women who
are one of a kind like my dresses, who
are not afraid to shine, and who are
hardworking just like the women in my
family.
Pati: At its core, my passion for food is
inspired by my home country, Mexico,
and my wanting to share it with the
world. I’m continuously inspired by my
trips to Mexico, the people and chefs I
connect with there, and all I learn from
them and bring back to my kitchen and
family. I’m also inspired by the power
that sharing a meal has to build bridges
between people, communities, and
countries. Day to day, the online community
that has come together through
my website and social media—whether
people are looking for a recipe their
abuela made or just want to incorporate
some Mexican dishes into their weekly
meal plans—keeps me on my toes and
striving to create better and better
content.
Any advice for business
owners?
Johana: The advice I have for business
owners is to write all their ideas down
on paper, have faith, and start! Don’t
wait for the perfect moment. Ask other
business owners for advice, but start
where you are and don’t be afraid to
invest in a lawyer or consultant to help
to guide you. It’s important to surround
yourself with people who believe in
you and value your work and what it’s
worth. Lastly, make sure whatever you
do has purpose and meaning, as that
will build your legacy.
Pati: When you cook, the food isn’t
ready when you want it to be. You have
to be patient. You have to persevere.
The more you cook, the better the food
will be. Owning a business is very similar
to that.