Puerto Rico

In November 2012, physician and surgeon of the foot Regina Flippin started her practice Urban Foot Care in Christiansted, St. Croix with two employees and plenty of determination.  She already had nine years of experience, having run a successful practice in Milwaukee since 2003.

“My husband had retired after 32 years of federal service and we were looking for someplace warm to put down roots,” says the Memphis native.

In 2009, at the age of 19 and in his second year of Engineering studies in college, upon learning that he was about to become a father Edwin Tirado decided that starting his own business would be the best way to provide for his family.

He began baking in the garage at his parents’ home in Naranjito, a town in the central region of Puerto Rico. Naming the business Charlotte’s Sweets after his child’s mother, Edwin set up shop at a shopping mall in Naranjito, and over the following six months sold cakes and other sweets.