The 14th edition of Hispanic Entrepreneurs (October-November) is packed with practical information for entrepreneurs in the Latino community in the United States. This issue covers how to turn crisis into opportunity with profitable home-based businesses, the real requirements for operating a food truck in Nashville, how to obtain a barber's license in Tennessee, and the inspiring story of the Martinez family: a Hispanic couple who now run multiple businesses in the state.
8 Profitable Businesses to Start During Quarantine
The pandemic transformed the market and opened new opportunities for those who understood it. In this edition, Hispanic Entrepreneurs presents eight business ideas that don't require a physical presence and can be started from home.
1. Online entertainment platforms. With in-person events canceled, there is a growing demand for solutions for virtual celebrations: birthdays, concerts, conferences, and more.
2. Personal shopper. High-risk individuals or those who prefer not to go out need someone they trust to do their shopping, especially for food and medicine.
3. Consulting for small and medium-sized businesses. If you have knowledge in technology, accounting, or finance, you can help businesses in the process of digitization, e-commerce setup, or automation.
4. Financial advice for individuals. Beyond businesses, thousands of people need guidance to organize their personal finances during and after the crisis.
5. Pet products and services. Animal adoptions increased considerably during the pandemic, generating greater demand for food, toys, dog walkers, and grooming services.
6. Video conference training. Personal trainers can offer individualized online routines. There is an audience willing to pay for personalized attention that no free app can replace.
7. Production of healthy foods. The concern for health opened up space for nutritionists, producers of fitness foods and online healthy cooking courses.
8. Selling home improvement products. A Taboola study recorded a significant increase in searches related to home improvements, especially gardening and plumbing, a trend that represents a concrete business opportunity.
Food Truck Permits in Nashville
Nashville ranks among the top ten cities in the country to operate a food truck, according to the Food Truck Index, which assesses ease of licensing, compliance with restrictions, and operating costs.
Food truck owners in Nashville must complete 25 procedures in approximately 15 office visits, with an average initial cost of $1,343 . In terms of operation, the average investment is $29,579 with around 22 additional visits to comply with the 10 required procedures.
To operate legally, the truck must have power, refrigeration, food preparation facilities, and space for at least two employees. Additionally, no truck may operate between 3:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
The documents required for a mobile food vendor permit include the vehicle registration number with photographs, a valid driver's license for the operator, a copy of the business license, a menu description, a health permit, a fire department certificate, a solid waste recycling plan, and authorization from the property owners where the vendor will operate. For vendors in public parks, the additional process involves the Parks and Recreation Department, which also requires liability insurance that includes Metro Parks & Recreation as an additional insured party.
In 2017, the food truck sector generated $2,700 billion in profits across the United States, a figure that confirms the potential of this business model.
How to Become a Licensed Barber in Tennessee
For those looking to start a business in the men's grooming and beauty industry, Tennessee offers a clear path. The demand for barbers has grown alongside men's increased interest in their appearance, and the state boasts some of the most traditional barbershops in the country.
The process to obtain a barber's license in Tennessee requires three fundamental steps:
First, complete 1,500 hours of training at a state-registered barber school. The curriculum covers hair cutting, razor operation, facial hair care, massage, bacteriology, legislation, and hygiene, among other topics.
Second, pass two tests —one theoretical and one practical—with a minimum score of 70% on both. The practical test requires bringing a model and a mannequin. The minimum age requirement is 17 years.
Third, apply for the license , a process that can be done online. The initial fee is $60 , and the biennial renewal also costs $60. Once you have the license, you can work on commission in a barbershop, rent a chair, or open your own business.
The Martinez Family: Starting a Business with Intelligence and Faith
The cover story of this edition belongs to Saul and Isabel Martinez , a Hispanic couple who today run multiple businesses in Tennessee and whose common denominator is faith.
Saul Martinez came to the United States from Hidalgo, Mexico, and began working in the tobacco fields of Adams, Tennessee. Over time, he learned painting and drywall, formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, and eventually founded his own company: I Paint Your Casa . "The biggest fear when starting a business is not having enough to sustain it. My wife helped me a lot in trusting in God," he acknowledges.
His advice for entrepreneurs is clear: do your research before launching a business, verify that there is a market in the area, and above all, have a defined goal. "An entrepreneur has to have their sights set on where they're going. When you have a goal, you'll know where you're going and what you're working towards today."
Isabel Martinez , originally from Jalisco, Mexico, has been working since she was 15. She held jobs in restaurants, factories, Walmart, and spent six years as a Spanish teacher before obtaining her real estate license. Today, she manages the Bell Chappel event venue and Martinez Properties.
From her perspective, one of the biggest challenges as a female entrepreneur in sectors like construction is that "many people still don't consider women in business." Even so, she highlights the progress of Hispanic entrepreneurs: "This country allows people who want to get ahead to achieve their goals if they work hard and stay focused."
