Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Salazar.
Hi Ashley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started my hustle back when I was at Martin Jr. High, selling candy, Kool-Aid, sodas, pickles—pretty much anything I could fit inside my backpack. I kept doing it all the way through my senior year. Looking back now, I realize that entrepreneurial spirit has always been in me.
As I got older, I realized how much I genuinely enjoyed serving people and working in the food industry. But as we all know, fast food wasn’t exactly the best-paying job, and I knew I wanted more for myself and my future.
Eventually, I started making chocolate-covered strawberries. What started with something so simple gradually grew into me learning how to make more and more treats. Today, I offer over 250 different treats through my business. I’ve also expanded into catering large events, where I create beautiful fruit spreads with chocolate or chamoy fountains.
But my journey didn’t stop with treats.
I started creating romantic picnic setups at the park and decorating hotel rooms for special occasions. I’m currently enrolled in barber school working toward becoming a barber, and most recently, I started my own rideshare business. At this point, I guess you could say I’m a jack of all trades.
But behind everything I do is a much bigger purpose.
My family came from nothing, and one of my biggest goals is to break the generational cycle of poverty. I don’t care about being rich or living some extravagant lifestyle. What I pray for is to put myself in a position where I can provide for my family, take care of the people I love, and never have to wonder whether I’m going to be able to pay my bills that month.
I also hope to continue being a positive influence in my community and an example to others that where you come from does not determine where you can go.
If you’re willing to work, believe in yourself, stay consistent, and put your mind to something, the sky is the limit. There are unlimited opportunities out here—you just have to believe that you’re capable of going after them.
I started with whatever I could fit inside a backpack.
Now I’m building businesses, learning new skills, serving my community, and creating a future that once seemed impossible.
And I’m still just getting started.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been all kinds of obstacles that have tried to stop me from doing what I do, but I’ve never allowed them to defeat me. I may have stumbled a few times along this journey, but every setback only gave me more fuel to keep pushing and pursuing my dreams. I’ve learned that falling doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it just means you have another opportunity to get back up, come back stronger, and keep going.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I offer a little bit of everything—from sweet and salty to spicy! My menu includes everything from candied fruit and funnel cakes to Hot Cheeto mozzarella sticks and so much more. But in my city, I’m honestly not known for just one hustle. I’m known for being a jack of all trades. If I see an opportunity to turn an idea, talent, or skill into income, I’m going to find a way to make it happen.
Throughout my journey, I’ve even had the opportunity to have well-known singers and actors try my treats. For something that started as a hustle and grew from the ground up, having people I’ve seen on TV, in movies, or listened to on the radio experience something that I created with my own hands has been a huge accomplishment for me. Those moments remind me just how far my business has come and motivate me to keep pushing to see how far it can go.
What truly sets me apart, though, isn’t just the variety of products and services I offer—it’s me. It’s my authenticity, my personality, my bright spirit, and the energy I bring wherever I go. People may initially reach out because of something I sell or a service I provide, but once they meet me, they quickly realize there’s a real person and a genuine heart behind the business. I love connecting with people, serving others, making people smile, and leaving an impression that goes far beyond what they purchased from me.
Giving back to my community is also one of the biggest parts of who I am. This is the same community that has supported me, shared my posts, purchased my products, recommended my business, and helped me continue growing over the years. Because of that, I believe it’s important for me to pour that same love and support back into the people who have poured into me.
Every year, I host a free community event where families can come together and enjoy free food, free haircuts, entertainment, activities, and other resources. But even then, I don’t want the event to only benefit me or my business. I use it as an opportunity to bring other local businesses together and give them a platform to showcase their products and services, gain exposure, network, and potentially connect with new customers.
I strongly believe there is enough room for all of us to win. Someone else succeeding doesn’t take anything away from what God has for me. My goal has never been to only build myself up—I want to uplift the people around me, create opportunities for others, and use whatever platform I have to help the next person grow.
At the end of the day, I don’t measure success only by how much money I make or how big my business becomes. Success means being able to look back at where I started, recognize how far I’ve come, and reach back to help somebody else along the way. If I can build something for myself while also inspiring, encouraging, and creating opportunities for others, then I know I’m doing something meaningful.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Over the years, I’ve learned that challenges are inevitable. There will be obstacles, setbacks, and plenty of things that will try to stop you from reaching where you’re trying to go. But as long as you keep pushing, you’ll continue to grow and strive toward your goals.
It’s okay to take a break. It’s okay to rest, regroup, and catch your breath—but never quit.
I always remind myself that diamonds are made under pressure, and after everything they go through, they come out beautiful. I believe life works the same way. The pressure, struggles, and difficult seasons are shaping us into who we’re meant to become.
As long as you continue moving forward, eventually you’ll get where you’re trying to go. Don’t listen to the noise around you. Stay focused on your vision and your goals. When you know where you’re headed, it doesn’t matter what comes your way—you keep pushing, keep believing, and keep going.
The road may not always be easy, but if you refuse to give up, you’ll come out victorious.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleystreatsandeats?igsi=MXgyZjRjZGdtaHQ3YQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashley.salazar.209926/
