#WeAreSouthQueens - Keren Espinoza
Presenting the trailblazer owner of Flavors Driving School, Keren Espinoza! This #WomensHistoryMonth , South Queens Women’s March partnering with our friends at @itsinrichmondhill @queens_edc to feature women business owners in Richmond Hill and surrounding areas! Keren is the owner of Flavors Driving School, located at 105-28 Cross Bay Blvd. Please like, share and engage with this post to uplift Keren’s journey!
: Debora Chaitlall for South Queens Women’s March
This series is the start of #WeAreSouthQueens, a larger project we are undergoing at SQWM to chronicle the stories and journeys of individuals who make our South Queens community what it is. Stay tuned for more!
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How did you come up with the name "Flavors Driving School”?
"The name Flavors came from my brother Ryan when we were planning my first Flavors Boatride event back in 2016. We wanted a name that represented our island and the freedom of our people. The true meaning behind "Flavors": our doors are open to every color, creed and race. We do not discriminate at any of our businesses or events."
Where are you from and what inspired you to start this business?
"I am from the beautiful Island of Trinidad & Tobago. I migrated to America at a young age where I started pursuing my Accounting dream. I worked as an Accountant for 12 years and got tired of someone telling me what to do and what time to report in to work so I started working on my Plan B. My last accounting job was for Keryx Bio pharmaceutical that relocated to Boston. My boss asked me “Keren, will you be relocating with the company?“ my reply: “No Boss, this is my end of the road with Corporate.“ he said, "what do you plan on doing?" I replied ,” I will be opening up my own business." He wished me the best and as of today Flavors Driving School is going on 5 years with 5 Stars highly rated as the best Driving School in Queens, NY. We are located in Ozone park, an area that welcomed us into the neighborhood openly. The people here are always warm , friendly and always helpful."
What is a typical day for you?
"A typical day at Flavors Driving school has been super busy since we opened our doors on September 9th, 2017. Our services are rendered to every color, creed and race mainly the West Indian community and The Italian community in Howard beach along with a mixture of Asians, Hispanics, Africans Americans and Indians."
How many employees do you have?
"We have a team of 6 New York State certified instructors, 1 full time receptionist and 1 office manager."
What are your future goals?
“I retired myself at age 40 to spend more time with my grandson and my 3 boys. My businesses Flavors Driving School, Mrs Flavors Med Spa , Flavors Entertainment & Help Us Help The World Foundation have been running successfully over the years where I oversee from my home and check into once a week. My son Brandon will be opening our next Driving School branch. We are hoping to expand into Brooklyn, other locations in Queens, Long Island and Florida. As a successful woman entrepreneur I have been mentoring other business women on how to run a successful business.”
What advice do you have for young women entrepreneurs?
Us women need to BELIEVE in ourselves and know that anything is possible once we put our mind to it. We are powerful, we are Divine and we are capable. Most of us including myself came from broken relationships (domestic violence) just searching for a better life for our children. Stop procrastinating and know if I can do it, you can too with persistence & consistent dedication. Stop underestimating yourself. stop feeling under-appreciated or undervalued. start putting in the work for a better you. Know that you will have days you would feel like giving up, You will have haters watching your progress throwing rocks at you hoping you fall because no one wants to see you do better than them.
LISTEN UP !! The path that you’re on was designed for you so BELIEVE IN YOU AND HAVE A "WHY" to life. My "Why" is my beautiful 3 children Brandon, Bryan, and Brent, and my grandson Jordan. My biggest inspiration is my disabled mother Ambika. the person that supports my dreams financially is my Father who pushes me and tells me NEVER GIVE UP and my biggest supporter is my spouse Richard Huggins who’s also a business owner, the owner of Hollywood International Unisex. My family keeps me grounded and on the right path. When I think of why I started, I know the legacy I am going to leave behind for my children and their children .Presenting the trailblazer owner of Flavors Driving School, Keren Espinoza! This #WomensHistoryMonth , South Queens Women’s March partnering with our friends at @itsinrichmondhill @queens_edc to feature women business owners in Richmond Hill and surrounding areas! Keren is the owner of Flavors Driving School, located at 105-28 Cross Bay Blvd. Please like, share and engage with this post to uplift Keren’s journey!
: Debora Chaitlall for South Queens Women’s March
This series is the start of #WeAreSouthQueens, a larger project we are undergoing at SQWM to chronicle the stories and journeys of individuals who make our South Queens community what it is. Stay tuned for more!
—-
How did you come up with the name "Flavors Driving School”?
"The name Flavors came from my brother Ryan when we were planning my first Flavors Boatride event back in 2016. We wanted a name that represented our island and the freedom of our people. The true meaning behind "Flavors": our doors are open to every color, creed and race. We do not discriminate at any of our businesses or events."
Where are you from and what inspired you to start this business?
"I am from the beautiful Island of Trinidad & Tobago. I migrated to America at a young age where I started pursuing my Accounting dream. I worked as an Accountant for 12 years and got tired of someone telling me what to do and what time to report in to work so I started working on my Plan B. My last accounting job was for Keryx Bio pharmaceutical that relocated to Boston. My boss asked me “Keren, will you be relocating with the company?“ my reply: “No Boss, this is my end of the road with Corporate.“ he said, "what do you plan on doing?" I replied ,” I will be opening up my own business." He wished me the best and as of today Flavors Driving School is going on 5 years with 5 Stars highly rated as the best Driving School in Queens, NY. We are located in Ozone park, an area that welcomed us into the neighborhood openly. The people here are always warm , friendly and always helpful."
What is a typical day for you?
"A typical day at Flavors Driving school has been super busy since we opened our doors on September 9th, 2017. Our services are rendered to every color, creed and race mainly the West Indian community and The Italian community in Howard beach along with a mixture of Asians, Hispanics, Africans Americans and Indians."
How many employees do you have?
"We have a team of 6 New York State certified instructors, 1 full time receptionist and 1 office manager."
What are your future goals?
“I retired myself at age 40 to spend more time with my grandson and my 3 boys. My businesses Flavors Driving School, Mrs Flavors Med Spa , Flavors Entertainment & Help Us Help The World Foundation have been running successfully over the years where I oversee from my home and check into once a week. My son Brandon will be opening our next Driving School branch. We are hoping to expand into Brooklyn, other locations in Queens, Long Island and Florida. As a successful woman entrepreneur I have been mentoring other business women on how to run a successful business.”
What advice do you have for young women entrepreneurs?
Us women need to BELIEVE in ourselves and know that anything is possible once we put our mind to it. We are powerful, we are Divine and we are capable. Most of us including myself came from broken relationships (domestic violence) just searching for a better life for our children. Stop procrastinating and know if I can do it, you can too with persistence & consistent dedication. Stop underestimating yourself. stop feeling under-appreciated or undervalued. start putting in the work for a better you. Know that you will have days you would feel like giving up, You will have haters watching your progress throwing rocks at you hoping you fall because no one wants to see you do better than them.
LISTEN UP !! The path that you’re on was designed for you so BELIEVE IN YOU AND HAVE A "WHY" to life. My "Why" is my beautiful 3 children Brandon, Bryan, and Brent, and my grandson Jordan. My biggest inspiration is my disabled mother Ambika. the person that supports my dreams financially is my Father who pushes me and tells me NEVER GIVE UP and my biggest supporter is my spouse Richard Huggins who’s also a business owner, the owner of Hollywood International Unisex. My family keeps me grounded and on the right path. When I think of why I started, I know the legacy I am going to leave behind for my children and their children.
