Meet Sue Artiga, Founder of Pinchos
Pinchos is a delightful dessert mobile cart owned and operated by Sue Artiga. Specializing in frozen fruit skewers dipped in rich chocolate and loaded with delicious toppings, Pinchos brings a fun, refreshing twist to sweet treats on the go. Sue launched her business and completed the 12-week Entrepreneurship Class at Canopy NWA, where she received valuable support and guidance to bring her vision to life.
Interview with Sue Artiga.
What inspired you to start your business, and how did the idea first come to life?
I’ve actually carried this idea for more than three years. Pinchos are frozen fruit on skewers, dipped in chocolate, and loaded with toppings. The inspiration came during a family trip to El Salvador, where I reconnected with this treat I loved so much growing up. When I came back to Northwest Arkansas, I looked around and realized nobody was offering anything like it here. That’s when I thought, why not me? Why not bring this little piece of El Salvador here?
What role did Canopy’s 12-week Entrepreneurship class play in helping you launch your business?
Honestly, it just felt so good knowing I wasn’t doing this alone. The team at Canopy was there every step of the way. They didn’t just give me information, they broke things down so I could actually understand. And whenever I had questions, they were patient and helpful. If they didn’t have the answer, they’d go out and find it. That kind of support made the whole process feel possible instead of overwhelming.
What was the biggest challenge you faced in the beginning, and how did you overcome it?
The toughest part was convincing myself that I could actually do it, that my dream was worth chasing. Once I pushed past that fear and decided to believe in myself, everything else started to move forward.
Sue Artiga was one of the winners of the Entrepreneurship Pitch Competition.
How is your business doing today, and what are you most proud of so far?
I’m so thankful my business is really starting to grow! Orders are coming in, and I’ve been getting invited to more and more events. Recently, I hit a new milestone: three events in a single month. For me, that was huge. It showed me that people really do love Pinchos, and that makes me so proud!!
What lessons have you learned since starting, and what advice would you give to someone just beginning their journey?
One big lesson I’ve learned is that things don’t always go smoothly and that’s okay. What matters is that you keep trying, keep showing up, and don’t give up on yourself. You have to trust your idea and believe that it’s worth the effort. My advice to anyone starting out is simple: be patient, stay persistent, and give yourself grace along the way.
Looking back, do you feel the program helped you in a meaningful way, and would you recommend it to others?
Definitely. The program made me feel like someone was truly looking out for me and my business. The Canopy team was always there, not just to guide me through the steps, but to share opportunities and help me get my name out there. Having that kind of support made such a big difference. I’d recommend it to anyone who’s ready to start but doesn’t know where to begin.
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