She was born and raised in California by her single mother, who migrated from Mexico with her family when she was 12. She grew up in Pomona with her Abuelos, 10 tias and tios, three cousins, her mom, and little brother. When she was in second grade, she moved to Rancho Cucamonga and started a new school that didn’t have much diversity and struggled with her English. By the fifth grade, she was translating and filling out school and doctor forms for her mom and family. She began working at 13helping her mom at her car dealer. She is married to her best friend Jesus, at the age of 19, she had her daughter Dalilah, 5 years later her son Andrew and just recently, a baby girl, Ximena. Transitioning into motherhood has made her realize how much she appreciates all the strong women in her life. Her abuela had a great influence on who she is as a mother, daughter, and woman. Both her grandparents instilled life values in her that made her view the world humbly.Her abuelo always said he didn’t need much money or “cosas de lujo”, as long as she had his family, he was the richest man in the world, and that will always stay with her. In 2018 she said goodbye to her family and the only place she ever lived and moved to Columbus with her family and just two bags each.
In 2020 she opened FLOWER day-ze, a floral business where she aspires to help people express their special message in a beautiful bouquet when words cannot. Additionally, provide floral needs to events.
In 2022 she started El Mercadito, a year-round traveling pop-up market that highlights the Latine community by supporting local artists and small businesses. Mercadito provides a safe space that helps to connect the very diverse Latine Hispanic community that we have here in Columbus and a space for people to learn more about our cultures, our music, our food, and our community as well as support our small businesses. They are more than just vendor markets, they serve as beacons in our community. Throughout the year, they organize various drives, including a back-to-school drive in July, a food drive in partnership with Mid-Ohio Food Bank in September, a winter coat drive in October, and a toy drive with Buckeye Ranch in November.
Also, an Alumni of E.L.L.A (formally known as LMA) graduated Cycle 13
Currently, she is the Office Manager for the Hispanic Chamber of Columbus.
Annette’s vision is to not only strive to provide excellent customer service through her businesses but also to provide hope to the community. Using dedication, perseverance, and hard work, she utilizes the skills she’s learned over the years, both professionally and personally, to fabricate her businesses to support the people in the communities around her.