Meet Elena | Mother, Grocery Store Owner, Fresh Food Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Elena and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elena, what do you attribute your success to?
The principle that matters most to me is integrity rooted in faith. For me, business is more than profit — it’s about serving people with honesty, excellence, and a heart that reflects my values. I believe the way we treat people in the small moments says more about us than the big achievements ever could.

As an entrepreneur, integrity means keeping my word, delivering what I promise, and making decisions that I can stand before God and feel peace about. My faith keeps me grounded when challenges come, and integrity ensures that I build something lasting, not just successful, but meaningful. At the end of the day, I want the fruit of my work to be a blessing. A quiet, lasting good that reaches beyond me.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is all about bringing fresh, quality, and thoughtfully sourced products to my community while creating a space where people feel cared for and have access to nutritional education. What sets us apart is the heart behind everything we do! we aren’t just selling groceries!

I’m most proud of how far we’ve come from humble beginnings. Starting out, I was literally just a tent and a table, but with perseverance, faith, and the support of mentors and friends, we’ve grown into a thriving business that serves our community daily. It hasn’t been easy. Every success came with challenges, from financial struggles to learning how to scale and manage a business while still being present for my children. I overcame them by staying committed to my vision, leaning on guidance from people who had walked the path before me, and trusting that consistency and integrity always pay off.

The journey has taught me so much, but above all: value relationships, never stop learning, and embrace failure — Setbacks as setups for even greater triumphs.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that this journey is about resilience, purpose, and the impact we can make when we fully show up—not just for ourselves, but for the people around us. My story is a reminder that no matter where you start, with faith, determination, and community, you can build something meaningful that goes beyond profit, it touches lives.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Fun! in the morning we will start at Stompin Groundz for coffee and a bussin breakfast Sammy! Then head up Pikes Peak highway for mountain views, lake side conversations and maybe a little fishing. Then head back down the mountain and stop at the pickle shack to load up on queso and salsas. Manitou Springs is so neatly decorated around the fall and Christmas time. Well have to stop and check out all the little shops. On our way out of Manitou we will cruise through Garden of the Gods. Get out take some pics and hope to catch the sunset. End the night at a cute little cream shop “Old Colorado Cities Creamery”. Ingrid Cortez, founder of The Thinking Positive Club, always has fun events going on in the community throughout the week from journaling, plant workshops, to Latin dance nights so we will definitely keep an eye on that.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a special shoutout to the incredible people who have shaped my journey. To my mother, who always reminds me to keep God first. To Heather McBroom, my sweet friend and business mentor, who has kept me grounded and focused through many storms. To Scott Ludian with Farmers Market Colorado, who believed in me from the start and supported us with inventory when all I had was a small tent and table. To Food to Power, for their constant love and support along the way. To my amazing children, Hanalei and Cecilia, for putting up with all the long hours—and even jumping in to help when needed. And beyond them, I’m deeply grateful for my Thrive tribe, my mentors, friends, family, and community who have inspired, challenged, and encouraged me every step of the way. Success is never a solo journey, and I’m humbled and thankful for everyone who has been part of mine.

Website: https://www.afreshmovegrocerystore.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1G3c1u7oQU/

Image Credits
Elena Salinas