Chiki’s Pancakes
Ever since arriving to the United States six years ago, Alexa Aguero has wanted to reinvent herself and fulfill her dreams so she decided to start her own business. After cleaning houses, working in a cafeteria and selling cakes, Aguero then worked as an Uber driver before saving enough to buy a food truck.
She started Chiki’s Pancakes last December, but her big break came in April when she participated in a business, arts, and crafts fair in Ashland. Chiki’s Pancakes (chiqui is her daughter Alessandra’s nickname) offers different pancake flavors – pumpkin, blueberry, gluten free, traditional, etc – and various toppings.
“The menu initially had only traditional and gluten free pancakes – the latter [was made] for a nephew with autism who cannot eat gluten – but through so many events, we have been including flavors according to the seasons and the taste of our consumers,” Aguero said. “We have various toppings, syrups and fruits that you can add to the 10 mini pancakes that we serve … along with powered sugar and whipped cream.”
Aguero went with mini pancakes because after being in the US, she realized how much people love pancakes; the mini pancake format fit perfectly with consumers and was a business model that didn’t exist in Richmond plus she wanted to be innovative with a genuine and healthy product.
Chiki’s Pancakes has received a great response from customers so far and Aguero said she’s met very good friends who’ve become repeat customers. Aguero talked about her recommendations for first time customers.
“In summer, the favorite flavor was banana pudding, however this fall season, pumpkin pancakes take the crown,” Aguero said. “To all my new [customers], I always recommend the favorites of the season but our menu allows everyone to build their own pancake to their liking and with several tasty options.”
Aguero’s goal is to open a store where they can expand the menu and provide a space for customers to consume their products and have meetings and parties. Though owning a business sometimes prevents her from spending time with her family (she runs the business full-time), she said she is grateful for all the opportunities she has and she would like to be an inspiration for others.
“I would like to serve as an [inspiration] for all women to leave behind fear and dare to undertake. I started my business with no money but without thinking about it,” Aguero said, “just working hard and focused, I have managed little by little to climb the stairs of success. There are many ways to fulfill dreams. Women are powerful and with discipline, love and intelligence, we can achieve everything we want.”
