THE STATE OF SMALL BUSINESS IN AMERICA SERIES: COMMISSION
OF WILD CACTI & HARDY HERBS
Despite the seemingly overwhelming obstacles to either launch or maintain their small businesses, Sandra Velasquez and Julia Kravets, two different Brooklyn based founders, successfully tap into nature’s healing as foundations for their work.
Sandra unconventionally began her beauty brand, “Noplaera” in her mid forties, while in debt, and during the pandemic. Inspired by the resilience and benefits of the nopal, the prickly pear cactus native to Southern California and Mexico, she built a successful company in under 2 years that both honors and mirrors the beauty, strength of her Mexican heritage.
Deeply rooted in the belief that everyday choices affect everything from our health to who is supported within an economy, Julia’s “Little Choc Apothecary”, NYC’s first gluten and vegan crêperie, also serves elixirs and healing herbs alongside dishes made with sustainable and local ingredients. Despite a loyal following and demonstrated support from the community, her business is still recovering after the pandemic.
In exploring their challenges and aspirations as women and small business owners, we experience a bit of what it means to have passion and values fuel an entrepreneurial journey.
These films were unveiled to the public through a virtual art festival held in a Metaverse gallery where people came in as avatars and interacted with the films and filmmakers.
TYSB x ARTIST US MINI DOC COLLECTION
Silver Lining’s Small Business Artist Program was launched with the mission to spark conversations and combat the injustice, bias, and discrimination that small business owners from marginalized communities face through the universal language of art. As part of that mission, Silver Lining has partnered with JPMorgan Chase and GoDaddy to produce the Global Collection and Wells Fargo to produce the State of Small Business in America Collection.
PLEASE VISIT & SUPPORT:
Sandra Velasquez, Nopalera
Julia Kravetz, Little Choc Apothecary
Julia Kravetz, Little Choc Apothecary
Nopalera was founded by Sandra Lilia Velasquez, the daughter of a Chicano farmworker and Mexican immigrant mother who instilled a strong sense of cultural pride in her. She envisioned a high end Mexican brand that could sit on the shelves of premium retailers next to other Euro-Centric brands to show that Latinx can = luxury. With a stron
Nopalera was founded by Sandra Lilia Velasquez, the daughter of a Chicano farmworker and Mexican immigrant mother who instilled a strong sense of cultural pride in her. She envisioned a high end Mexican brand that could sit on the shelves of premium retailers next to other Euro-Centric brands to show that Latinx can = luxury. With a strong vision and core values to serve her community she invested in branding, paycheck by paycheck, Amex bill by Amex bill, studied formulation, and made a great product for a specific destination. She launched the brand from her Brooklyn apartment during the pandemic with no outside funding (or savings), while working three jobs and raising her child, at the age of 44. . She is the living embodiment of her company's mission: celebrating culture while standing in her worth and inspiring others to do the same.
Julia Kravetz, Little Choc Apothecary
Julia Kravetz, Little Choc Apothecary
Julia Kravetz, Little Choc Apothecary
In 2014, Little Choc Apolthecary was founded by Julia Kratvetz, a former fashion model who found a creative way to marry her appreciation of healthy living and her desire to make an impact as a business owner and community member.
Through her work, she promotes environmental and aminal welfare, supports local and organic farming and offers
In 2014, Little Choc Apolthecary was founded by Julia Kratvetz, a former fashion model who found a creative way to marry her appreciation of healthy living and her desire to make an impact as a business owner and community member.
Through her work, she promotes environmental and aminal welfare, supports local and organic farming and offers healthy options for her loyal clientele.
Little Choc is known as one of the best restaurants in Brooklyn, and voted one of the most romantic restaurants in America by TimeOut.