Hispanic Small Business Entrepreneur: Climate Action & Fair Trade in Hispanic Businesses – Nancy Quero, Guelaguetza

Sustainability Associate Hanna De La Vega Sanchez recently sat down with Nancy Quero as part of the Forum’s monthly Spanish-language sustainability series on La Ponderosa Radio in Grand Rapids. (Una versión en español de esta publicación está disponible aquí).

At Guelaguetza, Nancy Quero combines entrepreneurship with cultural pride and environmental responsibility. Her store is a celebration of Mexican heritage and a platform for artisans, showing how small businesses can advance sustainability while preserving tradition.

Nancy founded Guelaguetza to create cultural bridges through artisanal textiles, handmade décor, and traditional fashion. Every product reflects eco-conscious values, using low-impact methods and natural materials. “Our mission is to build cultural bridges and ensure future generations are proud of their heritage,” she explained.

Fair trade, Nancy emphasized, is essential. It provides artisans with fair wages, dignified opportunities, and the ability to preserve ancestral techniques for future generations. It also reduces environmental harm by favoring natural fibers, local sourcing, and low-waste practices. “Every purchase is a vote for culture, for dignity, and for the planet,” she said.

While Guelaguetza has not yet received direct federal support, Hanna De la Vega of the Michigan Sustainable Business Forum (MiSBF) noted that climate programs under the Inflation Reduction Act offer opportunities for sustainable businesses, from energy-efficient upgrades to grants for minority-owned enterprises with cultural value.

Nancy acknowledged the challenges of entrepreneurship financing, visibility, and navigating digital platforms but encouraged Hispanic business owners to stay persistent. Her advice: remain true to your values, seek mentors, and explore sustainability resources that align with your vision.

Looking ahead, Hanna emphasized MiSBF’s role in connecting businesses like Guelaguetza with networks, grants, and workshops. Supporting small, fair-trade, sustainable businesses strengthens communities, preserves heritage, and builds a greener future.

Listen to the segment below in Spanish:

Nancy Quero of Guelaguetza shares her experience as a Hispanic small business entrepreneur, focusing on climate action and fair trade.