From Vision to Reality: Gia’s Sweet and Spicy Snacks Opens in Diboll, TX

When Ivette Hernandez set out to open her dream business, she wanted to share the vibrant flavors of Mexican sweet and spicy treats with her community. With no prior business experience, she turned to the Angelina College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the guidance she needed to bring her idea to life. 

The Challenge 

Hernandez originally envisioned starting a food trailer business, hoping to be ready in time for the local festival day celebrations. Although she had already created her menu, she still needed help with critical pieces of the startup process. From navigating permits and registrations to setting menu prices and marketing her products, there were a lot of steps ahead for a first-time entrepreneur. 

The Solution

Hernandez’s SBDC Business Advisor, Dianne Amerine, provided her with practical tools and step-by-step guidance to move her vision forward. She shared a business startup guide, training webinars and business plan templates to help Hernandez organize her ideas. Together, they reviewed legal and business structure options, the process of registering a business in Texas and how to choose a business name. Amerine also connected Hernandez with resources for licenses, permits and other legal requirements. 

Reflecting on the process, Hernandez says, “SBDC fue como una bendición caída del cielo. Estaba tan perdida en temas de permisos y ellos amablemente me ayudaron a tener todo en regla.” (“The SBDC was like a blessing from heaven; I was so lost when it came to permits, and they kindly helped me get everything in order.”) 

Beyond compliance, Amerine and Hernandez worked closely together to refine menu pricing and develop a marketing plan that would draw customers to the new business.  

The Results 

With the SBDC’s guidance, Hernandez was able to locate and secure a storefront for her business. She successfully launched Gia's Sweet and Spicy Snacks as a drive-through and walk-up food establishment in 2025, creating two new jobs.  

The SBDC continues to assist Hernandez with seasonal menu development and ongoing marketing strategies to support the business’s growth. 
 
Gia’s Sweet and Spicy Snacks, located in Diboll, TX, is a snack and dessert shop specializing in traditional Mexican-style treats. Whether customers stop by the walk-up window or the drive-through, they are greeted with flavors that celebrate culture, family and community. 

Aries Payne - Communications Coordinator
September 23, 2025