Jelianny Soliman has been serving this community with made-from-scratch waffles that are 100% gluten-free in her mobile restaurant the Waffle Sandwich Bar. She is also the owner and co-founder of Semilla Nativa LLC, a company that specializes in manufacturing allergy-friendly products. See below for a profile on their business and the importance of celebrating and honoring Black History Month in our Central Florida community!
Tell us about yourself! What inspired you to start your business, and when did you launch it?
I’m a passionate entrepreneur dedicated to creating inclusive and delicious food options for everyone. As a proud member of my community, I strive to make a positive impact through my business. Inspiration and Launch My journey began with Semilla Nativa LLC in 2017, when I saw a need for allergy friendly food products. After successfully developing and manufacturing these products, I decided to take it to the next level by launching Waffle Sandwich Bar in 2022. This mobile restaurant concept allows me to share my passion for food with the community in a unique and delicious way.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is seeing the smiles on people’s faces when they take a bite of our waffle sandwiches. Knowing that I’m making a difference in my community by providing inclusive and delicious food options is truly rewarding.
As a Black small business owner, how does Black History Month resonate with you? How has your heritage and history influenced your journey as an entrepreneur, and what impact do you hope to make within your community?
Black History Month is a celebration of resilience, determination, and excellence. As a Black business owner, it’s a reminder of the incredible legacy of entrepreneurs and innovators who paved the way for me. It’s also a call to action to continue pushing forward, breaking barriers, and creating opportunities for others. As an Afro-Caribbean immigrant from the Dominican Republic my heritage and history have instilled in me a strong sense of community and social responsibility. As an entrepreneur, I strive to honor this legacy by creating businesses that not only provide excellent products and services but also contribute to the well-being and empowerment of my community. I hope to make a lasting impact by inspiring others to pursue their passions, creating jobs and opportunities, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and excellence
Where can people find you?
People can find me and support my business by visiting or following us on social media at @wafflesandwichbar. We’re also regularly at local events and markets, so be sure to check our schedule to catch us in person!