D.C. Restaurateur Shares Her Recipe for Success as a Woman Entrepreneur

March 1, 2025 – 

Daniella Senior, owner of Colada Shop and client of OFN member LEDC, shares her small business journey as a woman and immigrant entrepreneur.

Read time: 6 minutes

Colada Shop opened its first storefront in D.C. in 2016 and has become a beloved gathering space for conversation, Cuban cuisine, and cocktails. As a native of the Dominican Republic, shop owner Daniella Senior continues to expand the Latin American hospitality experience with multiple locations in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.  

Despite success, access to capital hasn’t been easy for Daniella — especially as a woman entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry. When she needed funding to grow her business, she turned to OFN member Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC), following referrals from fellow small business owners in the region that had benefitted from LEDC’s support.   

A certified community development financial institution (CDFI), LEDC provides funding and financial coaching tailored to the unique needs of the people and communities it serves across D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and Puerto Rico. In 2024, LEDC served more than 5,100 small businesses including Colada Shop, helping to create 141 new small businesses and expand 60 more through 142 loans totaling $6.2 million. 

This Women’s History Month, learn how Daniella is bringing her hospitality vision to life while building deep community connections and inspiring other entrepreneurs along the way.

A Conversation with Daniella Senior, Owner of Colada Shop

What led you to the United States and the culinary space?  

I was born and raised in the Dominican Republic, surrounded by a rich culinary heritage where food was always a way to bring people together. My love for hospitality started at a young age, watching my family cook and entertain with warmth and joy. That passion led me to pursue a formal culinary education, and I eventually moved to the U.S. to attend the Culinary Institute of America. My goal was to refine my craft, gain international experience, and learn the business side of hospitality. I quickly fell in love with the industry here—the dynamism, the creativity, and the opportunity to bring a piece of my culture to a broader audience. 

What do you love most about being a small business owner and restaurateur? 

Hospitality is about connection. I love that as a small business owner, I get to create spaces where people can gather, share experiences, and feel a sense of belonging. With Colada Shop, my goal has always been to create an experience that transports people—whether it’s through the flavors of a cafecito, the vibrant atmosphere, or the warmth of our team. I also love the creativity that comes with this industry. Every day is different, and there’s always an opportunity to innovate, collaborate, and elevate what we do. 

Do you experience any challenges unique to you as a woman entrepreneur? 

Absolutely. The restaurant industry, like many others, has traditionally been male-dominated, especially in leadership roles. Early in my career, I often found myself having to work twice as hard to be taken seriously and to prove that I had both the vision and the business acumen to succeed. Access to capital and resources is also a major challenge for women entrepreneurs, as the funding landscape is still not as equitable as it should be. But I believe that persistence, building strong relationships, and surrounding yourself with a network of mentors and supporters are key to overcoming these barriers.

Why did you turn to LEDC for support and how has their funding and coaching helped? 

I turned to LEDC because of their flexible approach and deep understanding of the unique funding challenges faced by small businesses, particularly in the restaurant industry. I was also encouraged by several fellow restaurateurs who shared positive experiences working with LEDC, highlighting the valuable support they provide. The funding, coaching, and support from LEDC have been instrumental in driving Colada Shop’s growth and expansion. Thanks to their assistance, we’ve been able to open new locations, grow our team, and make a positive impact on the local communities we serve. 

What are your longer-term goals for your businesses? 

Growth, but in a way that stays true to our brand and mission. We want to continue expanding Colada Shop, not just in terms of locations but in the way we connect with our community. I also want to keep pushing boundaries with Latin American hospitality, bringing more awareness and appreciation to the richness of our cultures through food and drink. Beyond that, I hope to mentor and uplift the next generation of women in hospitality, ensuring that we create more spaces for them to thrive. 

What type of policies would help small business owners more, particularly women? 

Access to funding is one of the biggest hurdles for women entrepreneurs, so policies that improve access to capital, grants, and low-interest loans specifically for women-owned businesses would be a game-changer. Additionally, mentorship and support programs tailored for women in business—especially in industries like hospitality—could help bridge the gap and create more opportunities for growth. Policies that support working parents, such as childcare assistance and paid family leave, are also critical, as many women entrepreneurs juggle both business and family responsibilities.

What’s your advice for other women entrepreneurs? 

Don’t wait for permission. If you have a vision, go after it. Believe in yourself, surround yourself with people who uplift and challenge you, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Also, be prepared for setbacks—they are inevitable in any business journey. What defines your success is how you learn from them and keep moving forward. And most importantly, don’t lose sight of why you started. Passion and authenticity are what set great entrepreneurs apart. 

What do you hope your legacy will be with Colada Shop? 

I always say that Colada Shop is more than just a café—it’s a love letter to my roots and a celebration of our culture. I want people to walk in and feel transported, to experience a taste of Latin America no matter where they are. And I hope that by sharing my journey, I can inspire other women, especially Latina entrepreneurs, to pursue their dreams and create something meaningful. Representation matters, and I’m proud to be part of a movement that is making space for more diverse voices in hospitality. 

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Read More CDFI Impact Stories

Learn about other women-owned businesses supported by CDFIs in rural, urban, and Native communities across America. 

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Tags: CDFI Leadership, Community Development, OFN Membership, Small Business, Women