Community Highlights: Meet Maria/Angel Carter/Leon of Queen Tequenos LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria/Angel Carter/Leon.

Hi Maria/Angel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Our Story: From Barinas, With Love

It all began in Barinas, a warm town in Venezuela where the sun shines bright and the people shine even brighter. Maria and Angel grew up surrounded by family, neighbors who felt like family, celebrations that always ended in the kitchen, and the kind of joy that only comes from living in community.

When we left our country, nostalgia became a constant companion. We missed the flavors, the smells, the laughter around the table — but more than anything, we missed that deep sense of connection that defines Venezuelan life. That longing is what sparked our desire to bring a piece of our homeland with us.

Angel, with his charisma and natural talent in the kitchen, and María, with her vision and love for her roots, decided to create more than just a business — they set out to share not only food, but a feeling. Because every time we cook and serve our food, we feel closer to our country, our people, and who we are.

That’s how the idea was born — to build a company that would keep our culture alive, especially for our children who have never been to Venezuela. We wanted them to taste where they come from and feel it in every bite of a tequeño, a pastelito, or a spoonful of sauce.

With the support of Findlay Market, we began this journey. Today, from Cincinnati, we proudly share our handmade tequeños, pastelitos, and sauces — made with the same love and care we grew up with back in Barinas.

This dream is more than a business. It’s our tribute to Venezuela.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like many immigrant families, we’ve had to juggle more than just work. Raising children while holding down full-time jobs and trying to start a business meant sleepless nights and moments of doubt. Time management has been one of our biggest struggles. Balancing family life and entrepreneurship often feels like walking a tightrope.

Then came the financial reality. We started with limited capital, stretching every dollar to buy ingredients, packaging, and equipment. We’ve relied on community support in particular Findlay Kitchen, local markets, and small wins to keep going.

But perhaps our biggest challenge has been awareness. Many people in our new home don’t know what a tequeño is. To them, it looks like a cheese stick. But for us — and for millions of Venezuelans — it’s much more: it’s tradition, celebration, and comfort. Teaching people that these aren’t just snacks, but part of a rich cultural heritage has been both an obstacle and an opportunity.

Still, every time someone tastes our food and says “Wow, what is this?”, we know we’re on the right path.

Because this business isn’t just about making and selling food. It’s about building a bridge — between cultures, between generations, and between where we came from and where we are now.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Queen Tequenos LLC?
Queen Tequeños was born from a deep longing — the desire to relive the joy, unity, and flavor of our life in Venezuela, and to share that with our children. We named our business Queen Tequeños because Venezuela itself carries a woman’s name — strong, beautiful, and full of heart. Our brand pays tribute to that spirit, and to the women who carry culture, flavor, and community wherever they go.

This company was also created with one clear purpose: to keep our heritage alive for our children, who are growing up far from the land where we were raised. Through every recipe, every bite, and every story shared, we are passing on a piece of home — one they can taste, feel, and carry forward.

We’re more than just a food company — we’re bridge-builders. Our mission is to connect cultures through authentic Venezuelan food while empowering the Latina community in the U.S. That’s why we’re committed to hiring Latina women, supporting their growth, and creating jobs where culture and purpose meet.

What We Do:
We specialize in handmade Venezuelan tequeños, pastelitos, and signature sauces. Our tequeños are Venezuela’s most iconic party snack — made with real queso blanco, wrapped in golden dough, and crafted with care. We offer both sweet and savory options, along with vibrant sauces like garlic-cilantro and smoked roasted pepper.

Whether it’s for a celebration, cozy dinner, or cultural event, we make food that brings people together.

What Sets Us Apart:
1. Authenticity: Our recipes come straight from our roots in Barinas, Venezuela — made with tradition and soul.

2. Community-Driven: We’re a Latina, family-owned business with a heart for social impact

3. Handmade Quality: Every product is hand-rolled using high-quality ingredients. No shortcuts — just love.

4. Cultural Storytelling: We don’t just sell food — we share our story and invite others to experience our culture.

What We’re Most Proud Of:
We’re proud to represent our country, our family, and our dreams. We started from a small kitchen — with kids at our feet and big goals in our hearts. Today, we’re honored to share our food, identity, and values with a growing community — while working to uplift the next generation of Latina women. And most of all, we’re proud that our children are growing up connected to the culture that shaped us.

What We Want You to Know:
Queen Tequeños is about more than food. It’s about honoring heritage, empowering women, and building community — one tequeño at a time. If you’ve never tried a tequeño, this is your sign. Because when you support us, you’re not just tasting Venezuela — you’re helping build a better future, where everyone has a place at the table.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
At Queen Tequeños, our inspiration flows from many places — from the gospel that grounds our spirit, to the music that surrounds our work, whether it’s the deep roots of música llanera or the uplifting voice of Lauren Daigle. Above all, we’re inspired by our children — everything we do is for them. We cook, we create, and we build this business so they can grow up proud of their culture, connected to their faith, and confident that they belong at the table.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.queentequenos.com
• Instagram: queen_tequenos