Fresh out of high school, Irisela spends her Sundays helping her family's new business while preparing for college.

When I met Irisela, her family's business had been open for just one week.

At 18 years old and recently graduated from high school, she was spending her Sunday helping her family operate their new food stand on the corner of Pico Boulevard and Union Avenue. While the business is still finding its footing, she's committed to helping whenever she can.

Irisela plans to attend Los Angeles City College to study nursing, but she isn't leaving the family business behind. Even after classes begin, she hopes to continue working at the stand every Sunday.

Starting a business has come with plenty of uncertainty. Because they're so new, some days bring very few customers, making patience one of the biggest lessons she's learned during their first week.

Despite the slow start, Irisela remains optimistic. Between pursuing a college education and helping her family build something from the ground up, she's balancing two goals at once—investing in her own future while supporting the people who have always supported her.

Quick Facts

Name: Irisela

Business: Family Food Business

Role: Family Member

Time Active: 1 Week

Location: Pico Blvd. & Union Ave.

Hours: Sundays, 3 PM–8/9 PM

Education: Incoming LACC Student

Career Goal: Nursing

Biggest Lesson: Patience During the Early Stages

By Austin Iluore

A Week Into the Journey