North Bay Woman

34 NORTH BAY WOMAN | S P R I N G 2 0 1 4 basics from him." With her current hectic schedule – overseeing locations in San Rafael and Mill Valley, manufacturing food products for sale and planning the expansion of her catering business – it helps that Hernandez is something of a workaholic. "I'm not cooking on a daily basis, because we have a group of people who have been here for a long time. But I'm overseeing everything. I'm the control freak. I'm the detail person who finds stuff wrong with everything." "Quality control," interjects Sharon Corredor, executive sales associate at Conchita, with a smile. Hernandez and Cielo, her husband of nine years, work seven days a week ("at least!"), with Cielo overseeing employees and daily operations. "He's really good in dealing with people, developing people." Hard work, long hours and multi-tasking are nothing new for Hernandez. "I'm pretty independent. I moved out the day I turned 18, and I was working three jobs to pay my rent and going to school." She was still styling hair and working a second job when she began catering events and selling food at the farmers' market. "I had to survive." Unlikely as it might seem, hair styling taught her invaluable lessons in customer service that have translated to the restaurant business. "I don't claim to have a lot of patience, but that (hair styling) taught me about customers and how to please them." Today she's obviously pleasing the customers who eagerly wait in long lines outside her restaurants for popular dishes like Above: Pollo al horno combination plate with marinated and baked chicken thighs, rice, beans and tostones (fried plantains). Part of Sol's busy schedule is walking between businesses Conchita and Sol Food on 3rd Street in San Rafael. IS YOUR BUSINESS Getting Enough Exposure? IS YOUR BUSINESS Getting Enough Exposure? Your One Stop Shop for All Your Business Needs Business Cards • Stationary • Newsletters Invitations • Posters • Signs Promotional Products • Mailing 1925 E. Francisco Blvd., #15, San Rafael 415-460-2800 www.acepms.com

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