HL | Update 29.9 From Surviving to Thriving Stories Behind Success, Influence & Legacy

HL | Update 29.9 From Surviving to Thriving Stories Behind Success, Influence & Legacy

May 29, 2026 | Culture and Influence

HL | Update 29.9 From Surviving to Thriving Stories Behind Success, Influence & Legacy

by Richard Sandoval – HL Culture & Influence

Over the past month, I’ve been thinking about a simple question:

What separates those who survive from those who thrive?

As we close out Small Business Month, that question feels especially relevant. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to meet entrepreneurs, executives, and community leaders who have navigated uncertainty, setbacks, and changing markets. What they share is not luck. It’s resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to keep moving forward.

In this edition of HL | Update, we explore those themes through our feature, Small Business Month: A Surviving to Thrive Story, highlighting the journeys of business owners who continue to build opportunities not only for themselves, but for future generations.

We also take a brief trip back to New York City, where a visit to Café Ginori inside Bergdorf Goodman reminded me that some of life’s best discoveries are often hidden in plain sight. Whether in business or travel, curiosity has a way of opening new doors.

You’ll also meet several of the remarkable individuals recognized through our recent HL | Milestone Series. Their accomplishments span business, community leadership, entrepreneurship, media, and advocacy, yet they all share a common thread: a commitment to creating meaningful impact.

At HL | Culture and Influence, we remain focused on telling stories that inform, inspire, and connect. Stories about leadership. Stories about opportunity. Stories about the people helping shape our communities.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

In this edition of HL | Update

Small Business Month: A Surviving to Thrive Story

Café Ginori: One of Manhattan’s Most Charming Hidden Gems

In case you missed “Videos”

Orange County – HL | Milestone Event

New York – HL | Milestone Event

Milestone Honoree Profiles

HL | Milestone Series – Honors A&H Security Services

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Classico Building Maintenance

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Esperanza (Escobar) Teasdale

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Ana Ceppi

Have a story to share, please send me a message – RDS@HispanicLifestyle.Com

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Small Business Month: A Surviving to Thrive Story

Small Business Month: A Surviving to Thrive Story

May 28, 2026 | Business, The Business of Surviving to Thrive

Small Business Month: A Surviving to Thrive Story

by Richard Sandoval, for HL | Culture & Influence

The journey from uncertainty to opportunity and the entrepreneurs building legacies that extend beyond a single generation.

For many Americans, May is recognized as Small Business Month.
For us at HL | Culture and Influence, it represents something much deeper.

It is a reminder that behind nearly every neighborhood, every family story, every growing community, and every cultural movement, there are entrepreneurs taking risks most people never see.

Small business owners are not simply selling products or services. They are creating opportunity, building influence, preserving culture, generating jobs, supporting families, and investing back into the communities they call home.
And in many cases, they are doing it without massive teams, institutional backing, or headlines.

They simply keep showing up.

Across the country, we continue to witness entrepreneurs redefining industries in real time. Some are first-generation business owners. Others are building on family legacies. Many are balancing business ownership with parenting, caregiving, mentoring, and community leadership.

What often goes unnoticed is how deeply personal entrepreneurship really is.
For many small business owners, the business is not separate from life it is life.

  • It represents sacrifice.
  • It represents identity.
  • It represents belief in something bigger than a paycheck.

Over the years, HL has had the privilege of telling the stories of restaurant owners, financial professionals, creatives, nonprofit leaders, real estate experts, retailers, attorneys, wellness advocates, media entrepreneurs, and founders from a wide range of industries. What connects them is not simply revenue or visibility.

It is resilience.

Especially within Hispanic and multicultural communities, entrepreneurship has long been part of the economic engine that helps families move forward. Small businesses often become gathering places, employers, mentors, sponsors, and trusted voices within the community.

They become part of the cultural fabric.

Today’s business environment, however, is far more demanding than it once was.

Entrepreneurs are navigating inflation, rising operational costs, technology shifts, AI disruption, changing consumer behavior, social media pressures, and an economy that often feels unpredictable. At the same time, they are expected to constantly market themselves, create content, manage teams, and remain visible in increasingly crowded digital spaces.

The pressure is real.

Yet despite those challenges, many continue to evolve, adapt, and grow.
That spirit of reinvention may be one of the defining characteristics of modern entrepreneurship.

At HL, we understand that evolution personally.

Our own platform has gone through transformation rethinking not only how stories are told, but why they matter. We have shifted toward deeper conversations around culture, leadership, influence, business, wellness, travel, and aspiration because today’s audience is looking for more than headlines.

  • People are looking for connection.
  • For insight.
  • For inspiration.
  • For examples of what’s possible.
  • Small businesses provide exactly that.

As we look ahead, we believe the future belongs to entrepreneurs who understand the value of relationships, authenticity, adaptability, and community trust. The businesses that will continue to grow are the ones that recognize consumers are no longer simply purchasing products.

  • They are investing in experiences.
  • Values.
  • Stories.
  • And people they believe in.

That is especially true within affluent and emerging multicultural markets, where influence extends beyond economics and into lifestyle, identity, and community impact.

Small Business Month should not simply be about celebrating survival.

  • It should be about recognizing vision.
  • The vision to create something from nothing.
  • The vision to employ others.
  • The vision to build legacy.

And the vision to continue moving forward even when the path is uncertain.

  • To every entrepreneur working long hours behind the scenes…
  • To every founder funding a dream with personal sacrifice…
  • To every family-owned business adapting to a changing world…
  • And to every small business owner still believing in what’s possible…

We see you.

And your story matters.

Because long before corporations discover trends, communities are often shaped by the entrepreneurs already doing the work at the local level building influence one relationship at a time.

That is worth recognizing not just in May, but throughout the year.

HL | Culture and Influence
Defining Culture and Influence… in our community.

Small Business by the Numbers

Why Entrepreneurship Continues to Matter

  • Small businesses account for 99.9% of all U.S. businesses, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.
  • Small businesses employ nearly 46% of the American workforce, representing millions of jobs across every industry and community.
  • Latino-owned businesses continue to be one of the fastest-growing segments of entrepreneurship in the United States, contributing hundreds of billions of dollars annually to the U.S. economy.
  • Studies continue to show that business ownership remains one of the strongest pathways toward building generational wealth, particularly for first-generation entrepreneurs and multicultural families.
  • Family-owned businesses often create more than income — they create:
    • Homeownership opportunities
    • College funding for future generations
    • Employment within the community
    • Long-term financial stability
    • Legacy and economic influence
  • According to multiple business and financial studies, entrepreneurs are more likely to create transferable assets that can be passed down through generations compared to wage-based income alone.
  • Today’s entrepreneurs are increasingly building businesses around:
    • Culture and community
    • Digital influence
    • Specialized expertise
    • Lifestyle-driven brands
    • Relationship-based trust

The Bigger Picture

For many families, entrepreneurship is no longer simply about owning a business.

It is about creating freedom.
Creating opportunity.
And creating a legacy future generations can build upon.

Source | U.S. Small Business Administration

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On the Menu | An Afternoon at Café Ginori

On the Menu | An Afternoon at Café Ginori

May 27, 2026 | On the Menu

by Richard Sandoval, for HL | Culture & Influence

Café Ginori: One of Manhattan’s Most Charming Hidden Gems

There are certain places you return to when visiting New York City. Not because they are trendy or impossible to get into, but because they leave you with a feeling you want to experience again.

For our family, one of those places is Café Ginori, located inside the iconic Bergdorf Goodman along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.

A few years ago, we spent an afternoon there that unexpectedly became one of the highlights of our New York trip. So during our recent return to the city, Café Ginori was immediately placed at the top of our list.

What makes the experience memorable is that it is not what most people expect.

There are no sweeping skyline views or dramatic rooftop scenes. Instead, you make your way down a side staircase and suddenly feel as though you have entered a completely different world quieter, elegant, intimate, and removed from the nonstop pace of Manhattan just outside its doors.

According to the staff, the restaurant reinvents itself every few years with updated décor, redesigned table settings, refreshed menus, and new themes. That commitment to evolution gives the space a unique personality while still maintaining the charm that keeps guests coming back.

And honestly, that charm is part of what makes New York so special.

Sometimes the city’s best experiences are not found at the top of a skyscraper or inside a major tourist attraction. Sometimes they are discovered in smaller moments that allow you to slow down and appreciate the rhythm of the city.

Our meal was beautifully presented, and the cocktails added to the atmosphere of the afternoon. But beyond the food, what truly stood out was the environment surrounding us.

I’ve always enjoyed people watching, and Café Ginori delivered a perfect New York scene.

At one table, a mother and daughter enjoyed tea while taking a break from shopping. Nearby, a couple relaxed with cocktails as one of their recent purchases from Bergdorf Goodman was delivered directly to their table. Across the room, a group of women paused their afternoon shopping excursion to share conversation and champagne before heading back upstairs into the city.

How cool is that?

The experience felt cinematic in a very New York way sophisticated without being pretentious, stylish without trying too hard.

More importantly, it reminded me that travel is often about much more than landmarks and itineraries. It is about discovering those moments that allow you to connect, observe, and fully experience a city beyond the obvious tourist destinations.

That afternoon at Café Ginori became more than just another meal during our trip. It became another memory added to our family’s continuing story of travel, conversation, and shared experiences.

And that may be the greatest compliment you can give any restaurant.

It leaves you wanting to come back again.

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Westchester County: Where Wealth, Access, and Influence Continue to Shape the Future

Westchester County: Where Wealth, Access, and Influence Continue to Shape the Future

May 7, 2026 | Business

Westchester County: Where Wealth, Access, and Influence Continue to Shape the Future

by Richard Sandoval, for HL and Home, Tu Casa

For generations, Westchester County has represented a unique intersection of wealth, proximity, education, and influence.

Located just north of New York City, Westchester has long attracted corporate executives, entrepreneurs, financial professionals, healthcare leaders, athletes, entertainers, and an increasingly influential multicultural professional class seeking both opportunity and quality of life.

Today, the county continues to evolve not simply as a suburban extension of Manhattan, but as a powerful economic region in its own right.

For HL, Westchester represents more than affluence. It reflects a broader conversation about access, ownership, generational opportunity, and how communities continue redefining influence in one of the nation’s most competitive economic corridors.

A County Built on Access

One of Westchester County’s greatest assets has always been location.

Residents can access Manhattan by rail in under an hour while maintaining proximity to some of the Northeast’s most desirable residential communities. Over time, that accessibility helped fuel a concentration of wealth tied to finance, law, healthcare, media, technology, and corporate leadership.

Communities such as Scarsdale, Rye, Bronxville, White Plains, and New Rochelle have become synonymous with strong school systems, real estate stability, professional networks, and long-term investment potential.

At the same time, Westchester’s economic story continues expanding beyond traditional perceptions of wealth.

A growing number of Latino professionals, entrepreneurs, healthcare executives, small business owners, and civic leaders are helping reshape the county’s business and cultural landscape building companies, purchasing homes, supporting educational advancement, and creating pathways for future generations.

Westchester County by the Numbers (2025–2026)

  • Median Household Income
    $118,976
    Among the highest median household incomes in New York State.
  • Per Capita Income
    $72,705
    Reflecting the county’s concentration of high-earning professional households.
  • Median Single-Family Home Price (2025)
    $985,000
    Up approximately 6.5% year-over-year.
  • Average Single-Family Home Price
    $1.31 Million
    Demonstrating continued strength in the luxury and executive housing markets.
  • Residential Real Estate Sales Volume
    More than $6.3 Billion
    Westchester residential sales volume increased over 10% in 2025.
  • Number of Households
    Approximately 373,000 households
    Supporting a large, affluent suburban economy tied to New York City.

Real Estate Remains Central to Generational Wealth

Like many affluent regions across the United States, real estate continues to play a defining role in wealth creation throughout Westchester County.

Homeownership in established communities has historically provided families with long-term equity growth, financial stability, and intergenerational opportunity. Even amid changing market conditions, Westchester real estate remains among the most competitive in the region.

For many families, ownership is not simply about property value it represents stability, education access, business leverage, retirement planning, and legacy building.

That conversation increasingly resonates with younger professionals and first-generation homeowners seeking to establish long-term roots while remaining connected to New York City’s economic ecosystem.

As housing inventory, interest rates, and affordability continue shaping national conversations, Westchester remains an important case study in how location, infrastructure, and community investment influence long-term value.

The Evolution of Influence

The image of Westchester County is also evolving.

Today’s leadership community reflects a wider range of voices and experiences across business, media, healthcare, education, public service, and entrepreneurship.

Professionals who once viewed Westchester primarily as a commuter destination are increasingly investing directly into the region’s business ecosystem launching companies, opening offices, supporting nonprofits, and participating in civic and cultural initiatives.

That evolution mirrors a broader national trend:
Influence is no longer defined solely by title or institution. It is increasingly measured by visibility, access, collaboration, and the ability to create opportunity for others.

For HL, that perspective aligns directly with the ongoing conversations surrounding culture, leadership, business growth, and community impact.

Why Westchester Matters to HL

For more than 30 years, HL has documented the stories of leaders, entrepreneurs, organizations, and communities shaping culture and influence across the country.

Westchester County represents an important part of that conversation.

Its proximity to New York City, concentration of professional talent, evolving demographic landscape, and long-standing connection to finance, media, healthcare, and education make it one of the most influential regions in the Northeast.

As HL continues expanding its presence in the New York market through the HL | Milestone Series, the county offers important insight into how wealth, leadership, and community continue to evolve together.

The future of influence in America will not be defined by a single city or industry.

It will be shaped in communities like Westchester  where access, ambition, culture, and long-term investment continue to intersect in real time.

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HL | Milestone Series – Honors Rhina Valentin

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Rhina Valentin

May 7, 2026 | Milestone

HL | Milestone Series – Honors Rhina Valentin

Elevating Culture, Community, and Creative Expression in New York

Rhina Valentin is a powerful creative force whose work continues to shape New York’s cultural and media landscape.

A native New Yorker of Afro-Boricua heritage, she has built a career defined by authenticity, advocacy, and artistic expression using media, entertainment, and storytelling to elevate multicultural communities and amplify the voices of working-class women of color.

Rhina Valentin will be recognized during the HL | Milestone Series — New York, taking place on May 20, 2026. This invitation-only reception brings together a curated audience of executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders for an evening of connection, conversation, and recognition.

👉 Event details & RSVP: https://bit.ly/4bApDkE

As founder of La Reina Del Barrio, Inc., she continues supporting independent creators and cultural institutions through production, marketing, and storytelling initiatives rooted in community engagement.

Her original programming reflects both her creative vision and commitment to advocacy. Through projects including Colors Of Rhina and Rhina Gets Lean, she explores multicultural identity, wellness, transformation, and healing. She is currently developing five episodes of Park Buzz’N w/ Rhina, further expanding her role as a producer and cultural storyteller.

Her television and film work includes HBO’s Betty la Flaca, nationally syndicated commercials, and the 2024 Afro-Latino pilot The Amigo Family, featured during the Essence Festival alongside actress Tatyana Ali.

In 2024, Rhina was honored as a special guest at the White House’s inaugural Afro-Latino Heritage Celebration recognizing her growing impact as both a creative professional and community advocate.

Her work has earned numerous honors including the 2024 NYC Celebrates Women Award, the 2024 Mujer Legendaria Award presented by Ford Motor Company, the 2022 Latin Impact Award, and recognition as the inaugural Latina “Creative New Yorker for New York.”

Beyond media and entertainment, Rhina continues to invest in community and personal wellness. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Bronx Council on the Arts and Boundless Theater, while also serving as a production consultant for Casita Maria’s South Bronx Culture Festival.

She is also pursuing certification in Transcendental and Primordial Sound Meditation, believing in the transformative power of meditation and healing-centered practices.

Milestone Statement

Her milestone is defined by elevating culture, amplifying community voices, and creating meaningful representation through storytelling, advocacy, and creative leadership.

The HL | Milestone Series is a national platform designed to celebrate leadership across business, community, education, and innovation.

The 2026 HL | Milestone Series is made possible through the support of Wells Fargo, the series’ funding partner, whose commitment to community engagement and financial empowerment helps bring these important conversations and recognitions to life.