“Tamales La Michoacana”

For years, Lucia Suarez has been a familiar and beloved presence in the San Pedro

and Wilmington communities, serving up her delicious, homemade tamales. Originally

from Michoacán, Mexico, Lucia came to the United States with dreams of building a

better life for her family. Alongside her husband, she began selling food on the streets,

working tirelessly to make ends meet. As her children grew older, they joined the family

business, each contributing their time and energy to help it thrive.

Lucia has always had an entrepreneurial spirit. She dreamed not only of providing for

her family but of building a legitimate, sustainable business they could all be proud of.

Her goal was clear: to obtain the licenses and permits needed to operate legally and

expand their reach. When she learned about ICON’s Sidewalk Vending Cart Program, Lucia saw her chance. With ICON’s support, she applied for a free vending cart—and was chosen as a

winner. More than just equipment, ICON provided her with one-on-one guidance,

workshops, and resources to help her navigate the licensing process.

With their assistance, she successfully obtained all the necessary business licenses and permits. Now, with an LA County-approved cart, Lucia is operating her tamale business legally

and confidently. She looks forward to growing her business, serving more customers,

and one day purchasing additional carts so her entire family can continue working

together. Lucia’s journey is a testament to perseverance, family unity, and the power of

community support. She is not only feeding her neighbors with delicious tamales—she

is serving up a story of hope, resilience, and the American dream.