Meet Dulcinea Herrera

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

Dulcinea, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

As an Indigenous and Latina woman, I’m often the only one in the room who looks like me, and that reality has shaped both my perspective and my purpose. At first, it felt isolating—like I had to prove my worth or over-explain where I come from. But over time, I’ve come to see it as a responsibility and a gift. I carry the stories of my ancestors, my community, and my culture into every space I enter. That gives me a sense of grounding and clarity that guides how I show up.

Being effective in those spaces has meant staying true to who I am, even when I’m surrounded by people who may not understand my background or experiences. I’ve learned to speak with intention, to lead with empathy, and to never shrink myself to make others comfortable. I’ve also learned that representation matters—not just for me, but for every young Latina or Indigenous girl watching. I show up fully so they know they can too.

Success for me isn’t just about individual achievements—it’s about breaking barriers, creating space, and making sure the next generation doesn’t have to be the only one in the room.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m the CEO of Café Corazón, Kansas City’s first Latin and Indigenous coffee shop and roastery. We’re more than just a café—we’re a cultural hub rooted in heritage, storytelling, and community. Our coffee is ethically sourced from Latin America, and every drink on our menu carries the spirit of our ancestors. What makes our brand truly special is how we honor tradition while creating space for connection and celebration.

One of our proudest ongoing initiatives is Caféton—our monthly cultural event that features live music, local vendors, Latin and Indigenous cuisine, and a vibrant community atmosphere. It’s become a beloved experience for our customers and a powerful way to uplift creatives and small businesses from historically underrepresented backgrounds.

We’ve also been deeply honored to receive two major awards this year: Top 10 Best Small Businesses in Kansas City 2025 and Kansas City’s #1 Most Equality-Based Business. These recognitions reflect our commitment to inclusion, representation, and the intentional work we do to make everyone feel welcome and seen.

Beyond my work as CEO, I’m also a multidisciplinary artist. My art is inspired by my Indigenous and Latina roots, and I often incorporate ancestral symbolism such as cacao, hummingbirds, and sacred patterns. A recent highlight was designing the packaging for our collaboration with Christopher Elbow Chocolates—a project that beautifully blended culture, art, and flavor, and brought national attention to our story.

Whether through coffee, culture, or art, my goal is always the same: to honor my heritage, uplift my community, and create spaces that inspire connection and pride.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Resilience – As an Indigenous and Latina woman navigating business and creative spaces, I’ve faced a lot of “firsts” and “onlys.” Resilience helped me push through the doors that weren’t always open and keep going even when the path wasn’t clear. For those just starting out, I’d say: don’t be afraid to fail forward. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger and more grounded in your purpose.

2. Cultural Grounding – Staying connected to my roots has been the foundation for everything I do. Whether it’s the drinks we serve at Café Corazón, the art I create, or the events we host, my culture is always at the center. For others, I encourage you to explore and embrace your identity—it’s not just something to celebrate, it’s a powerful source of innovation, authenticity, and pride.

3. Visionary Leadership – I’ve learned that success isn’t just about working hard—it’s about thinking long-term, building systems that uplift others, and creating space for voices that are often left out. Leadership, for me, means leading with heart and clarity. If you’re early in your journey, start developing your leadership by being intentional in how you show up for yourself and your community. Take initiative, ask questions, and surround yourself with people who challenge and support you.

At the core of it all: know who you are, why you’re doing it, and who you’re doing it for. That clarity will carry you through the highs, the lows, and everything in between.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes, we are definitely open to partnerships and collaborations—especially with those who align with our mission of culture, quality, and community. At Café Corazón, we proudly roast our own coffee beans in-house, sourcing directly from Latin America with a focus on ethical and sustainable practices. Because we roast locally, we’re able to offer fresh, small-batch coffee that’s rooted in tradition and crafted with care.

Right now, we’re actively looking to expand our wholesale partnerships with hotels, apartment communities, restaurants, grocery stores, and local businesses that want to offer high-quality, culturally inspired coffee to their guests or customers. We also welcome individuals who simply love what we do and want to stock our beans at home, or give them as thoughtful gifts.

If you’re reading this and want to collaborate—whether through wholesale, events, product features, or community partnerships—we’d love to connect. You can reach out through our website at cafecorazonkc.com or email us directly at dulcinea@cafecorazonkc.com. We’re always excited to work with folks who share our values and want to bring something meaningful to their space or community.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Productivity
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Productivity
Tactics & Strategies for Keeping Your Creativity Strong

With the rapid improvements in AI, it’s more important than ever to keep your creativity

Productivity
From Burnout to Balance: The Role of Self-Care

Burning out is one of the primary risks you face as you work towards your