From Educator to Entrepreneur: A Five-Year Journey of Growth, Grit, and Purpose

Written by: Daisy Alcazar

Five years ago, I stood at a professional crossroads. I had already achieved what many would consider success—I was a bilingual educator, a homeowner, and a young mother committed to breaking generational cycles. Yet something inside me knew I was meant for more. What followed has been a transformative journey filled with bold moves, tough lessons, and deeply rewarding growth.

In 2019, I made the decision to step out of the classroom and step into the unknown world of entrepreneurship. Fueled by a passion to create something meaningful for my community, I launched La Pale Frozen Fruit Bar, a small-batch frozen treat company inspired by my cultural roots. What began as a local venture quickly gained momentum. Within a few years, we expanded our product line, secured regional partnerships, and earned recognition from organizations like H-E-B’s Quest for Texas Best and the North American Ice Cream Association.

But the journey wasn’t just about launching a business. It was about evolving into the kind of leader who could scale a vision, manage a growing team, and stay grounded in purpose. During this time, I invested heavily in personal and professional development—attending business incubators, joining coaching programs, and surrounding myself with mentors who challenged me to think bigger.

The challenges came in waves. Balancing motherhood, managing multiple properties, and wearing every hat in a startup tested my resilience. There were moments of doubt and burnout. But with every obstacle, I built new skills—strategic planning, financial management, public speaking, and, most importantly, self-trust. I learned that leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about being adaptable, asking better questions, and being willing to grow alongside your vision.

Today, I not only run a growing food manufacturing company but also  speak publicly on entrepreneurship, Latina leadership, and overcoming adversity. I’m incredibly proud to represent first-generation business owners and women who are rewriting the narrative.

This journey has reaffirmed something I now coach others on: Your story is your superpower. Every chapter—no matter how unconventional—is part of your leadership DNA. I’m no longer afraid to take up space, to dream bigger, or to pivot when necessary. Coaching has been an essential part of that evolution, helping me align my vision with values, and make decisions from a place of clarity and courage.

If you’re standing at a crossroads, unsure of your next move, know this: growth doesn’t come from staying comfortable. It comes from showing up, again and again, even when the path ahead is unclear. I’m living proof that with the right support, a clear vision, and relentless determination, the life and career you dream of is possible.

Daisy Alcazar

Co-Founder, CEO, Owner La Pale Frozen Fruit Bar