Allen County
Founder Profile
Juliana
Restrepo
Business
Colombian Delights
Founded
2022
Idea
Bringing Authentic Colombian Street Food and Desserts to Fort Wayne’s Farmers Market Scene.
Sabor de Colombia, Juliana’s Culinary Adventure
Juliana Restrepo, a resilient entrepreneur from Colombia, embarked on her journey in the heart of Fort Wayne with a mission to introduce the vibrant flavors of her homeland to the local community. As the proud owner of “Colombian Delights,” Juliana specializes in crafting delectable Colombian street food and desserts, including helados, salpicón, cholao, and obleas colombianas. Her inspiration sprouted from a serendipitous moment when she shared her homemade ice cream recipe with her brother-in-law, who immediately recognized its potential and gifted her a freezer to kickstart her business.
Initially focusing on delivering home-cooked meals like bandeja paisa and arroz con pollo, Juliana soon realized the untapped potential in the market for authentic Colombian desserts. With determination and support from organizations like the Woman’s Business Center, she honed her skills, expanded her menu, and set her sights on reaching a broader audience.
Juliana’s dedication to her craft extends beyond business; it’s a family affair. As a single mother of three boys, she involves her children in every aspect of her venture, with her eldest son serving as her right-hand man during bustling Saturdays at the YLNI Farmers Market. Through her participation in the market, Juliana not only showcases her delicious creations but also fosters a sense of community, sharing a taste of Colombian culture with Fort Wayne residents.
With aspirations to expand her presence in the local farmers market scene, Juliana envisions using the Fortitude Fund grant to enhance her setup with essential equipment like tables, tents, and coolers. By investing in her business infrastructure, she aims to elevate the Colombian Delights experience and bring a little taste of Colombia to every corner of Fort Wayne. Juliana’s journey exemplifies resilience, passion, and the power of cultural exchange through food, making her a true culinary ambassador in the heart of Indiana.
Business Updates
Founders Spark wins national skysthelimit competition
Founders Spark is all about building and strengthening connections in the entrepreneurial community, and it was a personal connection that convinced the Fort Wayne company’s young owner to enter a new nationwide business plan competition he recently won.
Local entrepreneur wins $2,000 grant
A Fort Wayne man recently won a national award for entrepreneurship for his business Founders Spark.
Skysthelimit.org awarded Aaron Robles a $2,000 Friends and Family grant, which provides a chance for individual donors to vote for people and projects they believe in, according to a news release from the organization.
Robles holds events for local entrepreneurs in the startup community to provide them the tools they need to succeed. He said in the release that the grant will help cover costs of the events and make them accessible to more people.
Fort Wayne Magazine People of the Year
The last cover of 2019 for Fort Wayne Magazine features People of the Year. Ten people have been selected to represent the People of the Year.
Fort Wayne Magazine says these people are only givers, meaning they only give time, ideas, and experience. They give their 110%.
Fort Wayne Power Circle celebrates diversity, inclusion
Demographic representation improved locally with the election of three African Americans, including two women, to the Fort Wayne City Council. But, participants in panel discussion at a Founders Spark Power Circle celebration said the city remains far from approaching what it could achieve by improving inclusiveness.
