CHOPPED is a free eight-week course provided by the nonprofit City Heights Community Development Corporation
**SANTEE, Calif.** — A single mother of three who escaped an abusive relationship has transformed her life by launching a successful food business with the help of a free training program designed specifically for aspiring entrepreneurs.
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<p>Isa Rosales enrolled in <a href="https://www.cityheightscdc.org/stories/city-heights-opportunity-program-pursuing-entrepreneurial-development-chopped-opens-enrollment-for-san-diegan-food-businesses">CHOPPED,</a> an eight-week course provided by the nonprofit City Heights Community Development Corporation, to gain the financial independence she needed to leave her difficult situation.</p>
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<p>“I thought of leaving, but I couldn’t because I don’t have any family here,” Rosales shared, articulating the deep emotional struggle that so many face in similar situations.</p>
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<p>The program proved to be transformative for Rosales’s vision of starting her tamale business named <a href="https://www.instagram.com/isas_tamales/?hl=en">Isa’s Tamales</a>.</p>
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<p>“CHOPPED helped a lot because, like I said, I started this business just to make ends meet,” Rosales explained, highlighting the program’s practical benefits in the face of hardship.</p>
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<p>Beyond just cooking skills, the program equips participants with essential business knowledge, empowering them to thrive in the competitive food industry.</p>
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<p>“She makes amazing tamales; her tamales are incredible,” said Michelle Ascencio of City Heights CDC. “But as a business owner, you are also expected to be an accountant, a marketing professional, and even your own lawyer, which doesn’t come naturally to everyone.”</p>
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<p>Graduates of the program are awarded $500 to assist with permits and licenses required to operate their businesses. Rosales has made full use of this support, securing all necessary documentation.</p>
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<p>“I have all of my paperwork, my permits, my license, I have insurance, I have a commercial kitchen, I have everything,” she proudly stated, reflecting the diligence and commitment she has invested in her enterprise.</p>
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<p>Isa’s Tamales has achieved significant success at farmers’ markets, art shows, and breweries across the region. This year alone, Rosales has had a banner year.</p>
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<p>“Oh, they are fantastic. I’ve already sold 25,000 tamales this year. Whoop, whoop!” exclaimed Rosales, her excitement palpable as she shared this milestone.</p>
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<p>For Rosales, her business represents more than just financial success; it embodies a message for her children.</p>
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<p>“It doesn’t matter what we’ve been through; we still deserve the world, and we can work hard for it,” Rosales affirmed, underscoring the hope and resilience that drives her journey.</p>
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<p>For more information about the CHOPPED program, <a href="https://www.cityheightscdc.org/stories/city-heights-opportunity-program-pursuing-entrepreneurial-development-chopped-opens-enrollment-for-san-diegan-food-businesses">click here</a>. To order Isa's Tamales, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/isas_tamales/?hl=en">click here.</a></p>
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