Hispanic Heritage Month: Arepas Sabor a Gloria Builds Community Through Food, Faith and Entrepreneurship

Maribel Jiménez and Edixson González, Owners of Arepas Sabor a Gloria

Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the cultures, traditions, stories, and contributions that make our communities stronger.

For the owners of Arepas Sabor a Gloria, culture is something they carry with them, and something they proudly share through their cuisine. Their Venezuelan food business is helping them build a future through entrepreneurship while bringing the flavors and traditions of Venezuela to the Forest Grove and Hillsboro community.  

Maribel Jiménez and Edixson González learned about Adelante Mujeres through social media. They discovered that we offered programs to support entrepreneurs and people interested in starting or growing a business. That opportunity led them to our Forest Grove Farmers Market and our Cocinemos Program, which is designed to provide an introduction to the administration, operation, and financing of a small business in the food industry. Through Cocinemos at Adelante Mujeres, they are gaining knowledge and tools to help turn their entrepreneurial vision into a growing business. For Maribel and Edixson, the program has provided an opportunity to learn about the practical side of entrepreneurship and think about the future.  

“We have learned about licenses and how to project ourselves into the future.”  

For many Latine entrepreneurs, starting a business can be a way to share where they come from while creating something new in the community they now call home. For the owners of Arepas Sabor a Gloria, food is that connection.  

Their participation in two local markets has given them the opportunity to share the flavors of Venezuela, introduce their culture to the community, and connect with people through food.  

Arepas Sabor a Gloria at AM Forest Grove Farmers Market

They shared, “Adelante Mujeres opened their doors to us so warmly. We introduced our Venezuelan food at the AM Farmers Market, and people were very interested in having us at their market.”  

Maribel’s message to Latine entrepreneurs is, “Don't stop because of a ‘no.’ There is always a positive answer when you continue working toward the future you want.”  

For Maribel Jiménez and Edixson González , faith in God is also an important part of their journey. They shared that their faith gives them strength and encourages them to continue moving forward as they work toward their goals.  

Their story is a reminder that entrepreneurship can be about much more than starting a business. It can be a way to honor your roots, share your culture, create connections, and build a future with purpose. 

You can find Arepas Sabor a Gloria at the Adelante Farmers Market in Forest Grove on Wednesdays from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and at the Downtown Hillsboro Market on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.