Meet Jefa: Lucy Ortega - By Lucy Ortega

Hello! My name is Lucy Ortega, and I am a first-generation Latina serial entrepreneur. I run my food businesses – Sierra Mexican Cuisine and create online content. I also coach other first-generation individuals who have dreams of transforming their ideas into successful projects and businesses.

I was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, where I experienced both emotional and financial instability at home. From a young age, I was instilled with the belief that education would be my ticket “out of poverty.” I did what many of us did, dive deep into my studies in search of that “golden ticket.”

I attended Wellesley College, located just outside Boston, Massachusetts. My college experience was challenging, as I stru led academically and had di culty concentrating. After graduating from college, I embarked on a five-year journey as a secondary science teacher in South LA. While teaching, I accidentally began to pursue entrepreneurship.

My grandfather’s health suddenly deteriorated, and I witnessed the emotional toll it took on my father, who was unprepared financially to deal with the situation. Seeing my father struggle with both the emotional burden and the financial aspects made me realize that I didn’t want to go through the same challenges. And thats where I began building my first business that has now evolved into multiple businesses.

However, there was a lot of trial and error as the first in my family to build and scale a business. Despite, my mom being the queen of side hustles she didn’t understand the importance of leveraging social media or how to navigate the paperwork behind “legitimizing” a business.

I also struggled with the decision of leaving my stable teaching career to pursue my food business full-time. I remember thinking, “were my parents sacrifices in vain?” But I knew that my mission as an entrepreneur was greater. And now here I am not just telling you, but also helping you become the confident CEO you are meant to be.

Learn more about Lucy's work:
Check out Lucy's BRAND NEW Website: www.bylucyortega.com

Connect with Lucy on IG: @bylucyortega @sierraguisados @sierraonsouthgate

Buy Lucy's Recipe E-Book: Sierra Recipe E-Book