Latina women are active contributors to their families and resilient entrepreneurs, navigating personal and professional challenges, including discrimination.
Deyssi Cusba, originally from Gamesa, Boyacá, Colombia, has exemplified progress despite facing obstacles. In October 2023, the U.S. Department of the Treasury reported that approximately 5 million Latinx-owned businesses operate nationwide, generating over $800 billion in annual revenue.
Deyssi Cusba, who immigrated to the U.S. a decade ago, holds a teaching and business administration degree from Delaware County Community College. While initially working as a teacher, her passion for crafting paper flowers and event decorations grew. With the birth of her child, she shifted her focus to creating home-based decorations, expanding to serve clients, nonprofit organizations, and businesses.
In 2020, she decided to take her home-based business to the next level by opening Delco Balloons on June 21st, 2021, located at 3411 Concord Rd, Aston, PA, in Delaware County. To diversify her services, she pursued studies in event planning and balloon artistry, tailored to cater to the needs of her community.
As a Latina business owner, Cusba faces challenges, including language barriers. Despite her proficiency in English, finding bilingual and committed employees has proven difficult. Operating in a predominantly Caucasian neighborhood, she encounters customers who question her ownership, revealing implicit biases. Despite these obstacles, she remains undeterred in balancing business ownership and raising her three children.
Cusba acknowledges the support she has received from various entities, including Aston Township, its police department, GPL Magazine, Manifestando Tus Sueños, Casa de Venezuela, Coalición Colombia Cívica, Finanta, and others. The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has facilitated her pursuing an MBA (Master of Business Administration) at Esperanza College.
Her advice to fellow Latinas aspiring to start their own businesses is to honor their unique journey and progress at their own pace, avoiding comparisons with others. To make your Valentine’s Day memorable, consider placing an order at www.delcoballons.com or calling 215.490.0324
