We’re looking forward to introducing you to Karla Saybeth Hernandez. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Karla Saybeth , thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, what’s bringing me the most joy outside of work is spending quality time with my daughters especially watching them grow, learn, and express themselves in their own unique ways. We’ve been doing more family activities together, like baking on weekends and exploring local parks, which always fills my heart. Seeing their happiness and creativity reminds me every day why I started Tocho Morocho in the first place.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Karla Hernandez, and I’m the founder and CEO of Tocho Morocho. What started as a dream close to my heart has grown into a company with a meaningful mission to create employment opportunities and a sense of purpose for individuals on the autism spectrum, including my own daughters who inspire me every single day.
At Tocho Morocho, we serve freshly brewed coffee, milkshakes, crepes, mini pancakes, snacks, and esquites , all made and served with love. Whether it’s through our coffee carts, catering services, or community events, our goal is to bring people together over quality food, great drinks, and genuine connection.
What makes us unique isn’t just what we serve, but why we do it. Our brand stands for empowerment, love, and family. Every cup, plate, and smile represents opportunity, independence, and pride for someone who deserves to be seen and valued.
Right now, we’re working on expanding our partnerships, including bringing Tocho Morocho to new spaces like schools, local events, and military bases so we can share our mission, our story, and our delicious menu with even more people.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child growing up in Mexico and later coming to the United States, I used to believe that my voice didn’t matter that because I was an immigrant, I had to stay quiet, work hard, and simply be grateful for any opportunity that came my way.
Over time, I learned that my voice does matter that my story, my culture, and my experiences are strengths, not limitations. Being an immigrant taught me resilience, creativity, and empathy. Those same qualities have shaped who I am today as a mother, entrepreneur, and advocate for inclusion.
I no longer believe I have to blend in to belong. Now I know I can stand out, lead with pride, and use my journey to open doors for others especially for my daughters and for people in our community who deserve to be seen and celebrated for who they are.”
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me strength that success never could. When life feels heavy as an immigrant, a mother, and a business owner you learn what truly matters. You discover resilience, patience, and faith in ways success alone can’t teach you.
Through the hard moments starting over in a new country, facing challenges as a woman and a mother of daughters with autism I learned compassion, humility, and gratitude. Those struggles shaped my purpose and reminded me that pain can be a teacher, not just a burden.
Success may show the results, but suffering shows the reason. It taught me to appreciate every small victory, to lead with empathy, and to build something that gives others hope and opportunity because I know what it’s like to fight for both.”
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes the public version of me is the real me. What you see is what you get. I’m a mother, an immigrant, a woman who’s had to work hard for everything, and someone who leads with heart. There’s no big difference between who I am in public and who I am at home I bring the same love, energy, and honesty to everything I do.
Of course, as a business owner, I’ve learned to carry myself with confidence and professionalism, but underneath that, I’m still the same Karla the mom who worries, dreams big, and pours her heart into her family and her work.
Tocho Morocho isn’t just my business it’s a reflection of my real life, my values, and my journey. The public version of me simply shares that story with others, hoping it inspires and connects people along the way.”
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What will you regret not doing?
What I would regret most is not giving my dreams and my daughters’ dreams everything I have. I started Tocho Morocho because I wanted to build something meaningful, something that creates opportunities for my daughters and for others like them. If I didn’t fight for that, I would always wonder what could have been.
I would also regret not slowing down to find joy in the little things the small moments that make life beautiful. A morning coffee shared with my girls, a smile from a customer, or seeing someone feel proud of the work they do. Those moments remind me why I started this journey in the first place.
I’d regret not showing my daughters that anything is possible, no matter where you come from or what challenges you face. And I’d regret not using my voice, my story, and my experiences as an immigrant mother to make a difference in my community.
At the end of the day, I don’t want to look back and wish I had tried harder I want to look back and know I gave it my all, with love, faith, and gratitude for all the little joys along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tochoevents.com/
- Instagram: @tocho_morocho_
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/tocho-morocho-san-marcos
