By Chuy Renteria, Hola Iowa
Navel Zapata always wanted to open a business in Waterloo. When thinking of what she couldn’t find readily available in the local market, she looked to her home state for inspiration. As a California native Navel says, “I wanted to open a place that reminded me of my home and my culture.” One of the things she missed most was the delicious, savory, tangy snacks she could find in shops and streets across the city. The snack shop that came from that longing was Delicias.
Patrons of Delicias will be greeted by many things. Pinatas and papel picado hang from the ceiling as the words, “This Must Be the Place” shine from a light up sign on the wall (a perfect backdrop for a social media selfie.) Bursts of color emanate from brightly colored walls and shelves of tried-and-true nostalgia-inducing candies like Pelon Pelo Ricos and de la Rosa Mazapan Zapata often ate as a child. If you are looking for brand new concoctions to accompany the candies of your youth, Delicias has you covered there, too. Take one look at the Maruchan Loko in a Delicias TikTok video and try to claim it’s not a work of art. It’s worth the drive to the shop just to try this inventive union of favorite flavors.
While the colors and overall ambiance are enough to elicit smiles upon entering, there’s so much more to awaken the senses and tickle the tastebuds. When asked what’s their favorite part about running their shop Navel replied, “Seeing people smile when they walk in, seeing their face light up when they see the selection of snacks we have to offer.”
One can’t help but feel the positivity emanating from all parts of Zapata’s shop. This enthusiasm holds true in the advice Navel gives to other Latinas looking to open a business, “Do it; don’t hold back and believe in yourself. Our community will have your back. The outcome of seeing your work flourish is something amazing.” That is exactly what you’ll experience as you encounter the boundless mix of flavors, textures, and combos within the menu and snacks available in this cheerful shop. Hot or cold, sweet or savory, Zapata is sure you’ll find exactly what you’re craving at Delicias.
JEFAS Magazine is a collaboration of writers, photographers, social media managers, editors, translators, and designers from across Illinois, Iowa and the Midwest – all of whom are Latinx. It is the first magazine created by the Latinx community, for the Latinx community that focuses on how they are boosting the economy, giving back, and filling the gap between what is needed and what is available in the state.
To see the locations where you can find the magazine visit @JEFASMagazine on Instagram and TikTok
You can find the digital magazine here:
https://holaamericanews.com/jefas-latinas-in-business-magazine-may-2024/
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