Life and Work with Jennifer Picos

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Picos.

Jennifer, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
J’s TrailMex started in June of 2018. I decided to make the TrailMex after a partnership with another female didn’t go through, I decided to go and do things my way!

It took me around two months to get my TrailMex the way I wanted it to taste. I wanted people to taste a little bit of Mexico. My TrailMex has peanuts, cacahuates japoneses, almonds, cashews, walnuts, dried cranberries, pineapple, mango, papaya, and rielitos. I make a mild chili mix.

I started selling by word of mouth and posting on Facebook in the Summer of 2018. In November started vending at Pop-up shops and has grown quickly in the past 11 months.

Great, 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?
It has been a smooth but struggling past 11 months. My advice to all women who are starting their journey is to have a plan or what they really want to do, go out there and don’t overthink it, Sell yourself and make sure you are confident enough to make others know that your product is the best out there. Be nice and helpful to other women who are out starting and who might not be as sure of themselves as you are. Do a lot of networking, sponsor events (when you can) and collaborate when it’s asked of you. But most importantly enjoy doing what you do!

Please tell us about J’s TrailMex.
Monday through Friday, I work for Maricopa County in the health care system. When I am done with my 7-4pm job, I go home and make my TrailMex. I make my own Chamoy that goes into my Trailmex. I package and seal my product too. I have been lucky to be able to vend at places such as Small Goods Market, Cookiebrokers, Nomadic IceCream Rolls once every few months at Mujeres Mercado in Downtown Phoenix. This summer, I will be at Tres Leches Cafe. I also attend networking events such as Latinas Who Brunch, Su Voz by AZEllaOrg. I hope to one day, be my own boss, sell my product in airports, snack boxes, and grocery stores!

Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
Since I have started my small business, I feel that there are not many opportunities out there for Female Latina business owners. Unfortunately, men run most of the business world. I have been fortunate to participate with a group of strong Latina women in Mujeres Mercado (Phoenix) and vend at Fair Trade Cafe (female owned coffee shop).

But with the setbacks, life has given me (surviving cancer twice.) I see things in a different way. It’s about the ability of the individual, regardless of gender or ethnicity. In a perfect world, everyone should have the same opportunity.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jstrailmex.com
• Email: picosjen@gmail.com
• Instagram: @jstrailmex
• Facebook: J’s TrailMex

              Image Credit:
Jorge Picos, Maira Hernandez

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