Hispanic-Owned Businesses on the Rise in the US

The census' "Survey of Business Owners: Hispanic-Owned Businesses: 2007" provides detailed information every five years on Hispanic-owned businesses, such as the number of firms, sales and receipts, number of paid employees and annual payroll.

"What we're also finding is that a large number of businesses have been started by immigrants, maybe illegal, some might not be, but nevertheless immigrants have always represented entrepreneurship to this country," Corralejo said.

"That's why immigration has always been so critical to America since its inception. It's always based on immigration. It's always based on someone younger, energetic folks coming in to support a more aging population."

But Hernandez, a marathon runner whose background is Puerto Rican, is also among the many American-born entrepreneurs who have gone into business for themselves.

Her business' name TAEFIT combines her two passions – tae kwon do and fitness. She runs it out of the Spectrum Athletic Club in Canoga Park.

"It's not easy and it takes a lot of work getting a business off the ground and keeping it going," said Hernandez, who has earned black belts in tae kwon do, as have daughters Ariana, now 11, and Maya, 8.

"And working seven days a week, do I get tired? I do get tired, but I love it, so it doesn't feel like work to me."

Source:  US Daily News