Today we’d like to introduce you to Rocio Flores Aguilera.
Hi Rocio, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from Mexico, and entrepreneurship has always been driven by my desire to create opportunities for my family while sharing a piece of my culture with our community.
When we started Sunset Mexican Ice Cream Shop, we had a simple vision: to bring the authentic flavors and traditions of Mexico to Pennsylvania in a welcoming place where families could create memories together. Like many small business owners, the journey hasn’t been easy. We’ve faced long hours, financial challenges, staffing issues, and the constant need to adapt and improve. Every obstacle has taught us something valuable and helped us grow.
Over the years, Sunset has grown from a dream into multiple locations, serving our community with fresh, high-quality desserts, snacks, and drinks inspired by Mexico. One of the things I’m most proud of is seeing customers return with their families and recommend us to others. Those relationships mean everything to us.
Beyond running the business, I’ve also become a content creator, sharing my experiences as an entrepreneur, showcasing local businesses, and encouraging others who dream of starting their own journey. I believe that success comes from consistency, hard work, and never losing sight of why you started.
Today, my husband and I are focused on continuing to grow Sunset, building systems that will allow us to expand through franchising, and creating opportunities for others while staying true to the values that built our business from day one.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many small business owners, we’ve faced our share of challenges.
We opened Sunset in 2020, right as the COVID-19 pandemic was beginning. Starting a new business during such an uncertain time was incredibly challenging. We had to navigate shutdowns, changing regulations, and a great deal of uncertainty while trying to build a customer base.
As the years went on, new challenges emerged. Rising inflation, increasing food costs, labor shortages, and changes in the economy have required us to constantly adapt. Running a small business means finding ways to continue delivering quality while keeping prices as fair as possible for our customers.
Another important lesson was realizing that passion alone isn’t enough. I had to grow as a leader, learn how to build systems, trust my team, and delegate responsibilities. In the beginning, I wanted to do everything myself, but I eventually understood that sustainable growth only happens when you empower others.
Every challenge has made us stronger. Instead of seeing obstacles as setbacks, we’ve used them as opportunities to improve, become more resilient, and better serve our community. Looking back, I’m grateful for every difficult season because each one has helped shape the business we have today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Sunset Mexican ice cream Shop ?
Sunset Mexican Ice Cream Shop is a Mexican-inspired dessert shop and snack bar that brings the authentic flavors, colors, and traditions of Mexico to our community in Pennsylvania.
We specialize in handcrafted ice cream, paletas, raspados, elotes, esquites, crepas, biónicos, fruit cups, and Mexican snacks—made with high-quality ingredients and a whole lot of heart. Everything we serve is inspired by the recipes, flavors, and memories from my hometown in Mexico.
What sets us apart is our authenticity, our fresh ingredients, and the experience we create for every customer. We’re not just about desserts—we’re about community, culture, and connection. From the moment you walk in, we want you to feel the warmth, the energy, and the same joy you would feel at a nevería in Mexico.
I’m most proud that we opened our first location in 2020, right as COVID-19 began. Starting a business during such an uncertain time was incredibly challenging, but our community supported us from day one-and that support has been the reason we’ve been able to grow. Today, we have multiple locations and continue to expand, and we are currently building the foundation to franchise our brand and share the Sunset experience with even more communities.
We want readers to know that Sunset is more than a dessert spot.
It’s a place where families create memories, where people feel welcome, and where tradition and innovation come together. We are passionate about quality, about our customers, and about representing our culture with pride in everything we do.
How do you think about luck?
I believe God ultimately determines the outcome of our journey, but I also believe we have the responsibility to work as if everything depends on us. Luck may open a door, but it’s our preparation, perseverance, and commitment that allow us to walk through it. Looking back, I see God’s blessings in every challenge we’ve overcome, and I’m grateful for every opportunity that has helped us grow.
I don’t believe success comes from luck alone. I believe luck is often created by hard work, perseverance, and being prepared when opportunities arise. We opened our business during one of the most difficult times in recent history, and many people would have considered that bad luck. But every challenge pushed us to become stronger, more creative, and more resilient. At the same time, I feel fortunate to have the support of my family, an incredible team, and loyal customers who believed in us from the beginning. Looking back, I think what many people call ‘luck’ is really the result of staying committed, working hard, and never giving up.
Pricing:
- * Affordable options for individuals and families.
- * Party trays and catering available upon request.
- * Custom dessert packages for birthdays and special events.
- * Seasonal specials available throughout the year.
- * Visit our social media for our latest menu items and promotions.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sunmexicecream.com/
