Daily Inspiration: Meet Dulcinea Herrera

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dulcinea Herrera

Hi Dulcinea, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
At Café Corazón, our journey began with a dream – a dream to create a space where culture, art, and community could come together over a cup of coffee. We didn’t start with much, but we had a vision and the determination to make it happen. As a family, we brought together our unique skillsets, from business and design to craftsmanship and creativity, to build something meaningful. We’re proud to be family, veteran, Latin, and Indigenous-owned, and we reflect those values in everything we do. Every step of the way, we leaned on each other and our local community to bring this vision to life.

Most of what you see in our cafes, from the tables to the decor, is handmade by us or by talented local artisans. It’s a reflection of the heart and soul we’ve poured into this space, making it a place that feels truly personal and connected to the culture we honor. From the start, it’s been about more than just serving coffee; it’s been about creating a vibrant community hub where everyone feels at home. We’re proud to share our story, our heritage, and our passions with every cup we serve.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has certainly not been smooth, but it’s been a journey worth every challenge. As a Latin, and Indigenous-owned business, we’ve faced our fair share of struggles, including racism and discrimination. From the very beginning, we’ve had to navigate a system that often makes it harder for businesses like ours to succeed, and there were times when the odds felt stacked against us. But we’ve always remained steadfast in our belief that we had something meaningful to offer.

Starting from the ground up meant that funding was always a challenge. We didn’t have large investors or a big budget to fall back on, so we had to get creative and find ways to make it work. Every dollar we spent was carefully considered, and we often had to rely on our own resourcefulness and community support to keep moving forward. It’s been a labor of love – a constant reminder that our dreams are worth fighting for, even when the road feels difficult.

Despite the obstacles, we’ve continued to push forward, building our business with resilience and determination. We’re proud of how far we’ve come, and we’ve learned that the struggles we’ve faced have only made us stronger and more connected to the community we serve. Every challenge has been an opportunity for growth, and we wouldn’t change a thing.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At Café Corazón, we’ve always believed in the power of art to bring people together and create a deeper connection to our culture. We’re proud to showcase Indigenous and Latin art throughout our space, celebrating the richness and diversity of these cultures in every corner of our café. All of the artwork in our space is created by local artists, and a lot of it is the work of one of our owners Dulcinea, whose love for art is woven into the very fabric of our business. Her passion for creativity is reflected in the vibrant pieces displayed on our walls, each one telling a unique story and adding to the warmth of our space.

We’re also deeply committed to supporting our local arts community through various initiatives. On First Fridays, we showcase the work of local vendors and artists, taking no commission on their sales. It’s our way of giving back and providing a platform for artists to share their creations without any barriers. Additionally, we host art shows in our Crossroads location, offering free space for local artists to exhibit their work. It’s important to us that artists have the opportunity to reach new audiences and share their talents with the community.

Beyond the walls of our café, we actively support nonprofits that help foster the arts. We’ve collaborated with organizations like the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts, Disabled But Not Really, and Rightfully Sewn to work on initiatives that bring art to the community and create opportunities for underrepresented voices. Whether it’s through art shows, workshops, or supporting local causes, we are dedicated to uplifting the arts in every form.

For us, it’s not just about running a business; it’s about creating a space that values creativity, culture, and the power of art to make a difference. We are honored to play a role in supporting and amplifying the voices of local artists and organizations that are doing incredible work in the community.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk-taking is a crucial part of growth, both personally and professionally. I truly believe that you shouldn’t live life with regrets, and if there’s something you want to do, you should take the risk to pursue it. It’s always better to give your all and try, even if you fail, than to be held back by fear or doubt. The fear of never knowing what could’ve been is far more daunting than taking that leap of faith and seeing where it leads.

Starting Café Corazón was undoubtedly a major risk for us. We didn’t have all the resources, and there were so many unknowns. From funding to building the space and creating a community, we were up against a lot. But the vision was clear, and we were determined to make it happen. It’s been a labor of love, and while there have been challenges along the way, looking back, we’re grateful we took the risk.

Today, Café Corazón is beloved by Kansas City, and we’re proud of the impact we’ve made. The connections we’ve built, the artists we’ve supported, and the community we’ve created have all been worth the risks we took. Risk isn’t always comfortable, but it’s a vital part of creating something meaningful. I truly believe that without taking those risks, we wouldn’t be where we are today. So, if you have a dream, take the risk and go after it—because in the end, it’s the only way to fully experience what life has to offer.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cafecorazonkc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cafecorazonkc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cafecorazonkc/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caf%C3%A9-coraz%C3%B3n-6b2452202/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/caf%C3%A9-coraz%C3%B3n-kansas-city-5