Meet Bettina Perez

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bettina Perez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Bettina, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

I would say that my resilience comes from a few different sources. One being the deep care for my family and a responsibility to provide for them. Some refer to it as “A Mothers Love.” Something innately in us that strives to provide, protect and care for our children. Another thing that has taught me resilience over the years is one of the chronic illnesses I have called POTS. Each day, I face many challenges. Things that are easy for the majority of people are exhausting for me. My energy levels quickly get zapped and my body doesn’t work as it should due to my autonomic nervous system not functioning properly. Each time I stand, my heart rate sky rockets so it feels like I’m running a constant marathon. I have to find ways to be resilient and resourceful to not just exist but to be the best parent I can be.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I began my small business as a means of survival to support my family during the pandemic. With no background in business, I hustled and utilized social media to create and promote my online Hawai’i Style Candy & Snacks store. We’ve had our ups and downs but have been blessed by some influencers like Keith Lee, who helped spread the word when times were rough.

You might be asking, “What is Hawai’i Style Candy?” For some context, I created 3 different homemade Hawai’i inspired sauce flavors. The sauces are: Lihing Mui, Lemon and Volcano (a combo of lihing mui and Hawaiian chili pepper.) Customers can customize their order by choosing a candy, sauce and seasonings. They can order them “wet” with a sauce along with seasonings lihing mui and/or lemon peel or dry with just the seasonings. These flavors give the candy a sweet savory sour taste. The volcano gives the additional element of spice. Our flavors are guaranteed to make your tastebuds dance and transport you to the shores of Hawai’i!

My small family business has provided me with a unique opportunity. I get to share some of the beloved local flavors/seasonings and snacks of Hawai’i with the world.

As we go forward, I am planning to begin selling some of our homemade sauces. I’m excited to see people get creative with them, whether they drizzle them on fruit or perhaps dip their corn dog in it! It’s a versatile delicious addition that’ll top off whatever you choose to eat it with!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I think a vital part in building a business is great customer service and consistent communication. I know that many customers mentioned how much they appreciated the effort put into it.

Something I learned was how important image and packaging is for a product. People buy with their eyes. I noted that companies who take the time into drawing the customer in with aesthetics had higher success rates.

Lastly, I’d say it’s so important to dive right in and don’t be afraid to post that content. Be resourceful and reach out to as many influencers as you can. There is so much opportunity out there you just have to go for it!

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

I would say the number one challenge my small business is facing would be getting consistent business. I must find creative ways to achieve that. I am working on keeping diligent in posting and marketing to reach my target audience. I know that persistence and dedication will help us get there!

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