Jefa + Co.

There’s nothing more I love seeing than a woman who has a vision, puts plan to action and makes her passion her business.

I love seeing new types of small businesses flourish in our little corner of the world. It fills my heart with joy knowing that women are not afraid to chase what they love no matter how out of the ordinary it may seem to others.

Sometimes there’s no other way to explain a vision than to just roll it out and let it explain itself.

Ashley started with just a simple idea, her passion for reading and art. Mixing these concepts together she created The Book Bar.

Business name: 

The Book Bar

Owner name: 

Ashleyyy

What type of business? What do you sell?

I run a small business selling Blind Date with a Book. Basically, it’s a surprise book wrapped in plain or decorative paper with a few clues about the story on the front like the genre, vibe, or key themes. You won’t know exactly what it is until you unwrap it. It’s a fun way to discover new books without judging them by their covers, and it makes a great gift or personal treat for any book lover!

Time in the business: 

6 Months

Favorite pop up you’ve been a part of to date: 

I would  have to say my favorite so far would be Modern Pop-Up Market that is held @ The Tailgate

What made you get into this type of business? How did the idea come about?

I’ve been an avid reader for about four or five years now, and over time, I’ve grown really passionate about all things books. The idea for Blind Date with a Book was introduced to me when I saw it at a library while I was out in Austin, TX. I was instantly intrigued and started researching more about it. Since I’ve always loved arts, crafts, and scrapbooking, I thought it would be so much fun to put my own spin on it and see if I could turn it into a business. It’s been amazing to combine my love for books and creativity into something that brings joy to others!

What is your personal favorite book genre?

My favorite genre is definitely dark romance. I love the intensity, the emotional depth, and the way it explores the more complex sides of love and relationships. There’s something about the push and pull between darkness and passion that just draws me in every time.

Favorite book currently:

Hooked By: Emily Mclntire – it is a dark romance standalone novel in the “Never After” series, a collection of fractured fairy tales where the villains get the happy ending, and it’s a modern twist on the Peter Pan story!

Are you part of any local book clubs?

Not yet, but I really want to join one! I’ve even considered starting my own — it would be so fun to connect with other readers and talk about all kinds of books.

What would be a piece of advice you would give to someone who wants to start an “out of the box” business but doesn’t know how to start?

My advice would be to start with what you love. If you’re passionate about it, that passion will come through in your business. Don’t be afraid to start small. Test your idea with friends or at local events to see how people respond. Also, do your research and look for inspiration from others who have succeeded with creative businesses. Most importantly, trust your instincts and don’t get discouraged if things don’t take off right away. Consistency and passion go a long way! Start with what you have now, because you’ll never be 100% ready! 

Favorite quote to live by?

“This too Shall Pass” 

How can we find you on social media?

Facebook & Instagram @TheBookBar

Any upcoming promotions/events?

3/31 – Private Party 4/10- Chevron Spring Market 
4/19 – Modern Pop-Up Market @ The Tailgate. 4/24- Midland Memorial Hospital Spring Market

You can find Ashley at our Noche de Chicas Pop Up Market May 2, 2025 at 701 W Carter from 6:30-9pm. Come see her and various other small business vendors!

Today’s blog feature is the definition of chingona.

Kassandra talks about the risks she has had to take as an entrepreneur all while being a mother and trying to further her education all at the same time.

It’s women like Kassandra who show us that if you want something bad enough, you find a way.

Name

Kassandra Valencia

Business Name:

Zap Queen

What does your business offer? 

Permanently jewelry 

How long in this business?

3 years in April 

Do you have a permanent address for your business or do you work remotely? 

I do pop ups and house calls/private parties 

What sets your business apart from the rest?

I was the very first to offer permanent jewelry in the Permian basin. I do offer house calls and last minute appointments. 

What got you into this type of business? 

I needed a way to provide for my kids. I was a newly single mom to 2 kids and needed a job and fast. I’m a full time student, so getting a “real” job was not really an option unless i was willing to give up my want for a degree. 

What would you say is the most challenging part of owning this type of business?

Constantly staying up to date with my social media. It’s so hard with my busy schedule 

What are your favorite events to book and why? (i.e. markets, events, private parties)

Private parties and house calls! I love the personal feel it gives with such a small group. 

Any specials or promotions coming up? Or any new items or services?

I’m about to start offering personalized engraving on pendants for jewelry!

What is your favorite way to unwind?

What does unwind mean? Ha!

Where do you see your business in the next year?

Still doing private parties and big markets! 

If you could give a piece of advice to someone starting their business, what would it be?

Dont give up. Even on your slow months, keep going. 

How can we contact you for bookings or appointments? 

On my Instagram or Facebook! 

Zap Queen Permanent Jewelry 

Catch Kassandra at our Noche de Chicas pop up coming up May 2, 2025!

El poder decir “lo estoy logrando, se me está haciendo!” y ser realmente feliz en el proceso, es un sentimiento indescriptible y es muy raro ver a una persona ponerle tanto entusiasmo y tanto amor a su negocio pero si una sola persona pudiera ser el símbolo de todo esto, sería nuestra Jefa de hoy!

El mismo nombre de su negocio es justo la personalidad de Perla—bubbly!

Negocio

The Bubbly Girl, arreglos florales y regalos personalizados

Dueña:

Perla Chavez 

Familia:

Casada. 2 hijos hombres y 1 niña. 2 bebés celestiales.

Origen? Cuánto tiempo llevas en Midland?

Chihuahua, Chihuahua. En Midland desde 2019.

Tiempo en el negocio:

5 meses.

Que fue lo que te atrajo a este tipo de negocio?

The Bubbly Girl nace de mis ganas de salir adelante y generar un ingreso sin sacrificar el tiempo con mis hijos.

La meta:

dejar un legado para mis hijos

Que es algo que hace a tu negocio único?

Todos los arreglos y regalos de mi catálogo son personalizados. Ninguno es igual,todo esta hecho a mano y pensado para complacer a cada uno de mis clientes. En cada uno de mis trabajos va una parte de mi escencia y con tus órdenes ayudas a impulsar el negocio de una mamá emprendedora. 

Pedido favorito?

Mi pedido favorito es el Coffee flower bouquet.

 
El mejor consejo que le puedas dar a una persona que quiere emprender un negocio pero no sabe por dónde empezar?

Emprender no es fácil pero vale totalmente la pena. No creo que hay una manera correcta o equivocada para empezar un negocio. Si tienes las ganas y un poquito de miedo entonces estás lista para comenzar. La constancia y el trabajo duro te dará tu recompensa. 

El sueño para mí negocio es lograr tener mi local, que The Bubbly Girl se convierta en un gran negocio familiar. Que mis hijos y las siguientes generaciones puedan seguir sirviéndose de el. Quiero que mis hijos sepan que su mamá lo logro! Que su mamá si pudo! Que nada la detuvo y que sigan mi ejemplo. Deseo también ser un ejemplo para las mujeres latinas y poder ser muestra de que cuando se quiere se puede y que si yo pude tu también podrás! 

Alguna promoción o evento?

Tengo promoción especial por el día de la mujer 8 de marzo. Una promoción para reconocer el trabajo y la lucha diaria de cada una de nosotras en la sociedad.

Asistiré al evento Noche de Chicas y será el primer evento al que asistiré como negocio.

Frase Inspiradora:

“No tienes que ser grande para empezar, pero tienes que empezar para ser grande.”

Antes de comenzar The Bubbly Girl fui mesera por muchos años. Un trabajo muy noble del que aprendí mucho. Siempre tuve una voz interior diciéndome que estaba destinada a hacer algo más pero el miedo me detenia. La vida me enfrentó a situaciones difíciles, situaciones llenas de miedo, enojo y ansiedad. Cuando decidí sanar mi alma y mi mente surgió The Bubbly Girl. Mi negocio es un abrazo a mi alma y un soplo de vida a mi corazón.

The Bubbly Girl estará presente en uno de nuestros espacios en Noche de Chicas el 2 mayo. Perfecta oportunidad para hacer tus pedidos para el día de las madres!

Today’s feature is near and dear to my heart as I have watched these women grow since they were literally in diapers!

Seeing these two sisters flourish in life and in the baking business, makes me very proud and nostalgic!

Owner(s):

Narely & Nayely Torres

How long have you been in the business?

We’ve been in business for 3 years 💗

What do you offer?

Cakes/Cupcakes , chocolate covered treats and other baked goods. 

What sets your business apart from the rest?

The love and  passion we have for what we do and the variety of baked goods we offer.

What is your favorite dessert order to complete?

Any type of cake and our treats packages 

What is your busiest season or occasion?

Our busiest days are any important holiday like valentines, Mother’s Day etc .

What goals or visions do you have for the business within the next year?  

Double the amount of work we have and keep growing our business. Maybe expand our menu

What is the most challenging thing about owning this type of business? 

There’s a lot of competition in the area.

If money wasn’t an obstacle, what would be the next purchase you would make for your business?

A shop to open up a bakery✨💗

What is one piece of advice that you would give to someone who is starting their pastry business from scratch?

Never give up, even if you see no sales.Just keep trying , practice and believe in yourself. All is possible with passion and dedication.✨

How can we book our next sweet treats order?

Message the Nini’s Cake Shoppe IG & FB pages directly!

Catch these sisters in action at one of our booths at Noche de Chicas on May 2, 2025!

One thing about the Permian Basin is that there is talent everywhere, especially in the aesthetics category!

Noche de Chicas’ sponsor Lash Glam by Jam is no exception and definitely no stranger to the beauty industry.

Get to Know The Girl in the Chair

Name

Jazmine Pallanes

What services do you provide? 

I am licensed cosmetologist and certified lash tech specializing in eyelash extensions, brows, and waxing.

Years in the business?

I’ve been doing eyelash extensions for 7 years.

Favorite set to apply?

My favorite set to apply lately, is wispy hybrids, it’s so fun to create different mapping to fit each individual clients features.

A must have during appointments?

A must have during your appointment with me, would just be your excitement and clean lashes.🤗

Current obsession?

My current obsession is a book series ‘A Court of Thorns and Roses’ by Sarah J Mass.

Someone you look up to and why?

My mother is who I look up to most in my life. She never fails to see the best in me even when we don’t see eye to eye. She is the strongest, smartest, and funniest person I know. I can trust her to show up, and never have to question her love and support. My mother has brought calm to storms she doesn t even know about, taught me lessons in ways that i can’t live without. She never sees a problem, only a solution. She works harder than anyone I know and because of that I strive to work just as hard. It is because of her, that i have a future worth believing in.

What is something random in your purse right now?

I have a toy baby pig with sunglasses in my purse right now, that I got from a friend’s daughters recital. lol 

Favorite way to unwind?

My favorite way to unwind is to listen to my audiobook and drink a glass of wine.

Favorite quote?

“A negative mind, will never create a positive life.“

How can we book you for a service?

Click HERE!

Ladies, this Noche de Chicas event is really popping off in May!

Crystal Rodriguez Photography has so courteously volunteered to sponsor the event with her photography skills.

Crystal and her family are local to the Midland area and she has been in the photography business for 10 years. She has the skill set to turn your visions into beautiful memories.

She specializes in family, newborn, maternity, children, cake smash and small events.

When she’s not out capturing your events, Crystal enjoys reading, journaling the Bible, spending time with her family and learning.

Growth in the business is something she feels she has accomplished in the last year, but she is aiming to add more services to her roster this 2025.

One of Crystal’s favorite quotes to live by? “In everything you do, do it for the Glory of God.”

For information and a portfolio of her work, click the link below:

http://www.facebook.com/crystalrodriguezphotos

If you are interested in booking a session:

432-269-6076 or email crystalrodriguezphotography@yahoo.com

Jefas!

It has been a hot minute since I updated the blog. I just got through reading the last couple of posts and I can’t believe it’s been since the COVID era!

COVID really messed up everyone’s momentum, huh?!

So, what’s been up since then?

Honestly, I was stuck in corporate mode working full time as an office manager for a trucking company and I really had no time or energy to keep pursuing Jefa Latina and all the amazing thing I had planned for her.

Up until mid December 2024- I decided it was time to leave the company I had helped create and focus more on my goals for Jefa Latina and the direction I wanted to take.

It wasn’t long until I picked up a part time job doing what I love- social media management. I was blessed to be hit with the opportunity, since this is one of the ventures I want to take with Jefa Latina. I figured I’d gain exposure and experience and start picking up side gigs for myself- and that’s exactly what has been going on for the past couple of months. 2025 definitely started with a bang!

I know there is a lot I need to learn and every day I challenge myself to research something new pertaining to this field, but it honesty doesn’t feel like work, because I truly have a passion for it.

I’m also working on creating community events for women in business. I love networking and giving people the space to meet each other and above all support each other in their ventures.

So what’s in the works?!

I’ve partnered with my friend Ivon and we are putting together another Noche de Chicas pop-up market where small business owners can come together under one roof and network. We are looking for women running their own small business, from boutiques to bakeries and anything in between.

We’re also looking for event sponsors, so if you or anyone you know is a business owner and would like some exposure, please contact me!

For those that don’t know, this will be our second Noche de Chicas event- the last one was 4 years ago. Our event included a fashion show and door prizes, and we want to bring that back this time around as well.

This event is set for Friday May 2, 2025- Save the Date! We will be sending out a booth map sometime this week to those who expressed interest in being a part of the event when we first posted about it a couple of weeks ago.

We are beyond excited and can’t wait to bring another event to our community to help showcase our local women-owned businesses!

I know it’s tough.

You have every right to be upset.

You worked so hard to be where you are at this moment.

You have waited your whole school-aged life for this moment.

The moment you walk across that stage as a symbol of one of the greatest accomplishments of your life.

That which has been ripped out of your hands, torn into little pieces and set fire on.

But let me tell you,

It is not the end of the world.

Walking across a stage does not define you as a person and sure as hell does not define your accomplishments.

You know what does define you?

Your perseverance.

The fact that you will not let a small hiccup in the road take you down.

This may have not been the way you imagined your senior year or your graduation to go, but nothing in life ever goes the way we plan.

Ever.

That is the beauty about life.

Every day is a new surprise, a new challenge.

It is up to us to take those mishaps and turn them into something more.

You have in your hands the best story for your grandkids later on down the road.

I am asking you to take this as a new perspective on life, because you are now an adult and you have to learn to see the good in every situation.

Is it upsetting?

Of course it is.

But are you going to let this type of situation to control your feelings? Or are you going to get a grip on your emotions and take it as comes?

Remember, you come from a long line of chingonas that have put up with much more than a cancelled graduation ceremony.

La vida sigue Mijita, usted con la frente en alto y con orgullo.

Congratulations to the graduating class of 2020!

Before COVID-19 and the mass order to stay quarantined in our homes, we had very little time to get DIY projects done around the house.

More specifically, there was a specific spot in the house that made me cringe every time I walked by there.

That spot was supposed to be our designated office nook, but for a long time it looked like a very neglected storage area that was missing a fresh coat of paint, a couple outlets and a light fixture.

Once upon a time I started painting the walls a horrific brown color and as I was applying it, I quickly changed my mind.

So it was left half painted and abandoned for a long time. We didn’t even use it for its purpose because we didn’t have a proper desk and it was just too ugly to be able to concentrate to get any work done there.

So a couple of weeks ago we decided to refresh the space and give it new life. We knew we needed a designated study area especially during these times where our 10 year old son can sit to do his Google Classroom assignments and where my husband and I are able to work from home during quarantine.

The first step was to put a light fixture, light switch and outlets in the area.

Lucky for me, I married a handy man that knows a thing or two about electrical work so, in a couple of hours, I had light and electrical outlets right where I needed them.

Next, was the paint. We chose Behr in Castle Path . It’s the perfect neutral ‘greige’ and light enough for an enclosed space.

After the space was finished, it was time to furnish. Shopping had to be done exclusively online due to the current global issues.

We purchased the desk on Wayfair.com based exclusively on reviews.

It took about 4 days to be delivered and almost 2.5 hours to build it off of a step by step manual.

If you’ve ever had to build something from scratch, you know how many alcoholic beverages you need to get it done, especially if you’re working as a team with your spouse.

We only said about 12 cuss words and we were finished.

Last, was the decor. To be honest, we kind of weren’t thinking of any decor and the whole process kind of happened on accident.

I was at the dollar store today grabbing a few things and I happened to walk by their small selection of home decor. I was actually pretty surprised at their variety and immediately set a budget in my head.

I ended up spending $30+ tax. Probably the best $30 I’ve spent in a long time.

Due to a sudden epidemic that is sweeping the nation, we’ve been mandated by the county, the state and Uncle Sam to practice social distancing and stay home for the next few weeks.

To be honest, at first the idea of staying home, keeping the kids home and having the husband home seemed like the perfect time to bond, reconnect, and truly value our time together.

After the first few days, I found myself overwhelmed and anxious. I had so many ideas to keep the kiddos active and busy but didn’t have a set routine so those ideas quickly were thrown out the window and by the end of the day it was total chaos.

So I came up with a plan to make our days a little more proactive.

This is what our schedule (roughly) looks like. Yes, some days are better than others, but this is all new to us so if we skip over something one day or rearrange the order of something else…it’s okay.

6am – 8:30am:

both the hubby and I get up to work. I have worked from home for about 10 months, so I’m used to working this routine. On the other hand, he’s had to adjust a little. He is a dispatcher so he has to be up around that time anyway to send guys out to work so this time frame works perfect for the both of us. I fix us both a cup of coffee and away we go answering emails, invoicing, and making phone calls.

8:30am-9:30am:

the kids are early risers so by this time they’re already awake and asking for food. We have breakfast and clean up the kitchen.

9:30am-noon:

Adryan works on his online math, reading and writing lessons.

I get Emily and myself ready for the day, finish tidying up the house, pop some laundry in the wash, vacuum, etc.

Emily follows my every move and asks for a yogurt or a cutie every 7.23 minutes.

The hubby continues to work on his invoicing and dispatching.

Noon-1pm:

It’s lunch time. And really by the 4th day I was out of ideas on what to cook for lunch. I didn’t realize how much my family eats until we were locked up with nowhere to go and nothing else to do but eat. So basically, I’m no Chef Boyardee, so during lunch they get a sandwich or frozen chicken strips, maybe even cereal.

After lunch:

I try to get in a couple more hours of actual paid work between non-paid mom duties such as sorting laundry, picking up after Emily, thinking about what to make for dinner, etc.

At this time I have the kids go play outside so they can let me concentrate on work and so they can get some fresh air.

Around this time the hubby is already tired of my yapping and pretends he has very important man things to get done outside. Those things usually consist of combing his horses’ mane and blasting the music on MAX in his barn.

After I finish working for the day, I join the hubby and kids outside. I try to have an outdoor activity for the kiddos to do under my supervision. So far we’ve chalked, finger painted, water colored, and went on numerous nature walks. That doesn’t mean I have an array of activities planned, that just means that’s what we’ve had on hand those particular days.

Before we know it, it’s evening time and the kids are complaining about how hungry they are…again…and off I go to make the family dinner, which I am also running out of ideas for.

After dinner we all sit and watch a movie, or if we’re feeling extreme, go back outside and pull weeds or clean out the shed or something productive like that.

At sundown I’m bickering at everyone to get in the shower and have an 8 minute argument with Adryan because “we didn’t get THAT dirty today, mom.”

During this time, I might fix myself an alcoholic beverage depending on the type of day I had.

Soon (but not soon enough), usually by 9:30pm, everyone is tucked into bed, good nights have been said and closets have been checked for closet trolls.

The husband and I lay in bed and I talk about all my worries and questions I have about the upcoming days and weeks as he dozed off and leaves me talking to myself. Not on purpose I’m sure, but goes to sleep nonetheless.

This is the time that my brain goes haywire and the depression tries to sneak in, so I try to distract myself by reading a book, scrolling Pinterest for any good ideas for the next day or simply cry out some frustration.

Jefas, I know the days are long and hard. I know sometimes we question our abilities to stay sane in such hectic times, but we must keep the faith and above all…STAY HOME! Reduce the exposure!

We must be apart for now to be together later.