The Samaná peninsula of the Dominican Republic is known for its beaches, waterfalls, and, of course, its fried fish. Justina Vilorio Agueda knows all about fish in Samaná. She knows how to catch them, how to sell them, and most importantly she knows how to cook them. Justina began selling fish more than 10 years ago, but just this past year she has been able to open up the business that she always wanted.
​​
Justina now runs a “comedor”, a small restaurant/cafeteria, where she gets to sell the fried fish she loves to make. In addition to all sorts of food, she also sells fresh fruit juices that she makes every morning. This is a dream come true for Justina, because she never thought she would be running a successful business selling food. “I have people coming in everyday for my food and my juices. They love my food and my attitude. They always come back for my fish because I always cook with love,” Justina adds. From personal experience, Justina does make the best fried-fish in Samaná. Paired with some rice and beans, it is the best lunch you could ask for!

“I have God and Esperanza to thank for all of this,” she motions around her kitchen. It is clear that people love Justina’s products. Just during our ten-minute interview, at least seven excited customers came in! She greets each person with a wide smile and asks about his or her family. She knows each customer personally and treats them her own family. Her loving spirit and her  sensational food are what make her business so successful.
​​
Although Justina has already achieved so much, she does not want to stop here. Currently, she rents the space where she sells her food, so she hopes that one day she will be able to own her own land. She also hopes that she can sell other types of seafood. “I know all about seafood because I’ve lived in Samaná all my life. I make excellent dishes made of shrimp and crab! I want everyone to enjoy my food,” Justina states. If her shrimp and crab are as good as her fish, there is no doubt that people will be crowding her small cafeteria to buy even more delicious food.

These are dreams she has for later on, but currently she has a longing for a new blender. She currently has an old one that takes a long time to make her juices. If she is able to buy a new one she could make even more juice to sell, more efficiently! By donating to Esperanza not only are you helping Justina buy a blender, but you are helping her achieve all the dreams she has by helping grow her business.