Meet Helena Quesada | Chef-Owner of Hell Yeah Helena

We had the good fortune of connecting with Helena Quesada and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Helena, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
“Hell Yeah Helena” happened by chance, honestly! During the pandemic, I wasn’t getting enough hours at my restaurant job, so I decided to sell Cuban sanguiches out of my apartment. The response was overwhelming! When pop-up events were selling out quickly and consistently, I realized that this could be more than just a side hustle.
I got excited about creating a brand that reflects my colorful culture! As the demand and community support grew, I was motivated to take the leap and turn my passion project into a full-time business.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
It’s wild to see how much ‘Hell Yeah Helena’ has grown purely through word of mouth- from making 20 sanguiches, to catering events for 300 people! What sets my business apart is its unique Cuban flavors, incorporating what I’ve felt were missing growing up in Miami. It hasn’t always been a smooth ride; there have been plenty of mistakes and growing pains, especially working alone. However, the support from a community filled with fellow small business owners has been invaluable. Nurturing these relationships, along with taking care of yourself personally, and not just focusing on the business, have been the biggest lessons I’ve learned so far.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We’re starting off each day with coffee at Mnemonic, plotting our breakfast plans: Azucar, Wavy, Relic, Wildwood, or Bica. If it’s a Saturday, we’re going straight to the Tuna Harbor fish market then the farmers market to grab dinner supplies. When I’m not cooking for friends, we’re eating at of my favorite spots: Mekong for their Nam Khao Tod and wine from Stella, Juan Jasper for their burger, Azuki Sushi for everything on their menu, and countless other gems around town! For a budget-friendly way to explore some of the cutest restaurants, I swear by a happy hour tour through Little Italy, capping the night at False Idol. After a late night, you’ll find us recovering at The Friendly or Todo Pa’ La Cruda. Between meals, we’re soaking in the views at Torrey Pines, La Jolla, Sunset Cliffs, Balboa Park, and, of course, the zoo- probably with some empanadas or a Cubano in my bag!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
THE SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY!!!
Wow! The community here is full of some of the sweetest and most helpful people I’ve ever met! Everyone I’ve met through pop ups, social media, and events has had a part in how my business has grown. I’m grateful to my regulars who have become friends, Carynn at Home Ec for hosting one of my first pop-ups, and Joe at Finca for answering my millions of business questions. I also appreciate all the amazing fellow small business owners I’ve met who can relate to this incredible journey!

Instagram: @hellyeah.helena

Image Credits
Hannah Bernabe (first two additional photos)