Today we’d like to introduce you to Nathan Contreras.
Hi Nathan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am 12 years old & I am in 7th grade! I started Nathan’s Dulces Enchilados back at the end of May in 2020. I started because I really wanted a $120 gaming keyboard. My mom isn’t a big fan of video games so her response was “I’ll make a deal with you. Figure out how to make at least half of the money, you have to earn it.” We had made the candies for my immediate family on Memorial Day weekend and we loved them so it clicked and that same day I told my mom the plan and she said “go for it buddy.” They were a big hit with a lot of my mom’s friends and one day while she was making a delivery for me, she stopped by the bank and an older man called her a racial name. She never mentioned it to me until the next day, when the BLM protests began. I had made $65 & decided I HAD to donate and the rest is history! Something that started out for a keyboard became a mission for me to make a difference.
My mom & dad are my biggest examples of giving and it just felt right. An amazing older lady found out about me & bought the keyboard for me. Her words inspired me so much and that’s when I KNEW I had to keep going. It was clear that I needed to be a change and from there decided to give 10% of all purchases to a different charity every month. Eight months later, I am still going with the help of my mom. Together we’ve been able to host a school supply & a holiday toy drive along with some amazing friends. I’ve been able to donate to BLM, Exodus Cry & my soccer team but the biggest donation I’ve ever given was to my friend Allison, who was fighting Leukemia for a second time. This year I hope to be able to start a nonprofit & host even bigger events and stay in honor roll.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I can’t say it has been a smooth ride. It’s been very challenging juggling school, soccer & making candy but I have a huge support system with my parents and it makes it a lot easier.
We’ve been impressed with Nathan’s Dulces Enchilados, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Nathan’s Dulces Enchilados is a home-based business in Garden Grove, CA. I specialize in taking average candy you see at the store & adding a literal spice to it. I am known for making delicious candy & giving back to my community. Well first off, I am 12 and in middle school, I guess not many kids have a business at this age. Second, I’ve made it my priority to donate & BE the difference I want to see in the world. My growth in such a short amount of time & seeing how I’ve inspired people to give back has to be the reason why I am proud of my business. Nathan’s Dulces Enchilados is a small business with BIG goals and a lot of love to give. I want everyone to know that together we can make a difference. Whether you buy from me or donate to a charity of your choice, we can ALL make a difference.
Pricing:
- $7 dried mango (8 oz)
- $5 for the rest of my selection.
- $9 for shipping because of the weight of the product.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: nathansdulcesenchilados.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathans.dulces.enchilados
- Facebook: facebook.com/nathans-dulces-enchilados
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