PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG\/WECP) – Forty years ago, Janeth Roldan left Colombia in search of opportunity and a better life for her mother.<\/p>\n
Not long after arriving in the U.S., she discovered a passion for barbering. Chasing her American dream, Roldan worked in several cities before settling in Panama City with her two daughters. There, she noticed a need for a Hispanic-owned salon and barber shop \u2014 and decided to fill it.<\/p>\n
Since opening Latinos Salon and Barber Shop on West 18th Street, Roldan has built a thriving business and a loyal Hispanic clientele she now calls family.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s how I found my Hispanic family, because to me they are my family,\u201d Roldan said. \u201cI may be from Colombia, but I have the heart of a Mexican, Honduran \u2014 from everywhere. Those are my people.\u201d<\/p>\n
The salon, open Wednesday through Monday, offers a wide range of services and serves as a cultural hub for the community.<\/p>\n
As Hispanic Heritage Month wraps up Oct. 15, Roldan says the celebration reflects the hard work and unity of the Hispanic community.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s important because it\u2019s an opportunity to get to know each culture and country,\u201d she said. \u201cWe are part of what makes this country progress and prosper. We are a blessing \u2014 we help the economy so much.\u201d<\/p>\n
Roldan has instilled in her daughters the importance of preserving their roots, often taking them back to Colombia to experience their heritage firsthand.<\/p>\n
As a single mother and business owner, she\u2019s faced \u2014 and overcome \u2014 countless challenges.<\/p>\n
\u201cI told myself God has better things for me,\u201d Roldan said. \u201cHe gave me this salon 17 years ago. I had to go through so much to see the light. Nothing is impossible.\u201d<\/p>\n
After decades of hard work, Roldan says she\u2019s achieved what she always dreamed of \u2014 an opportunity \u2014 and hopes others like her will find the same.<\/p>\n
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