In the heart of San Francisco, Juan Carlos Pacheco has transformed his lifelong love for Peruvian cuisine into Ceviche Pacha, a celebrated culinary venture that brings the vibrant tastes of Peru to a new audience. The journey that led to Ceviche Pacha wasn’t easy, but it is a testament to Juan Carlos’s resilience, passion, and unshakable commitment to his dreams.

Overcoming Challenges as an Entrepreneur

Growing up, Juan Carlos drew deep inspiration from his mother, Marina, whose encouragement and belief in him became his anchor as he navigated life as an immigrant. When the pandemic hit, like so many, Juan Carlos faced financial uncertainty as his savings began to dwindle. He had dabbled in making ceviche for friends, but now, this hobby took on new meaning.

Determined to make ends meet and honor his roots, he sold his first batch of Ceviche Pacha to a small group of friends. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and, to his surprise, he began receiving orders each week. Ceviche Pacha was no longer just an idea—it was becoming his lifeline and a means to share a piece of home with others.

As Juan Carlos continued on this path, he confronted challenges that many entrepreneurs face, especially when starting from scratch. The vulnerability of putting himself out there—calling friends and asking them to buy his ceviche—required bravery. Each sale represented a small victory, yet he felt the need for guidance to take his business further. When he discovered Centro Community Partners, everything began to change.

The Impact: A Successful Entrepreneur

For Juan Carlos, finding Centro felt like discovering “a light at the end of a tunnel.” The resources and mentorship he received there gave him not only practical skills but also a newfound confidence in his potential as an entrepreneur. Through Centro, Juan Carlos attended business classes that helped him go from ideas in his head to a formalized, sustainable business plan. The tools and frameworks he learned allowed him to see Ceviche Pacha not only as a way to share Peruvian flavors but as a profitable venture that could grow, evolve, and ultimately support others in the community. With the support of Centro and access to capital through Kiva, Juan Carlos secured the resources he needed to enhance his production and reach new customers.

Reflecting on his journey, Juan Carlos shares: “Identify if your business is truly viable and keep educating yourself. Use resources like Centro, as they are essential for growth.” Looking to the future, Juan Carlos dreams of expanding Ceviche Pacha to offer even more unique dishes and create job opportunities, generating a positive impact in the community. Through his dedication and perseverance, Juan Carlos hopes not only to leave a personal mark but also to become a source of motivation for those who seek to make their dreams a reality, even when the path is uncertain.

Looking to the future, Juan Carlos dreams of expanding Ceviche Pacha to offer even more unique dishes and create job opportunities, generating a positive impact in the community. Through his dedication and perseverance, Juan Carlos hopes not only to leave a personal mark but also to become a source of motivation for those who seek to make their dreams a reality, even when the path is uncertain.

In his journey, Juan Carlos exemplifies the power of persistence, the strength that comes from community support, and the transformative impact of believing in oneself, facing adversity with hope and determination.

Want to learn more about Ceviche Pacha?

Follow Juan Carlos’s social media and be part of his story:

• Website: Ceviche Pacha

• Instagram: @CevichePacha

• Facebook: Ceviche Pacha

Ceviche Pacha is more than a business; it’s a bridge between the flavors of Peru and the hearts of those who taste it.