As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we are proud to honor the many people in the ZIPS community who have helped us grow to 75 stores nationwide. We want to thank all of the franchisees and staff who work so hard to provide a great service to our customers and the customers who trust us year after year with their garments.
We asked one of our longest tenured franchisees, Alma Cadenas, to share how her heritage and culture has impacted how she approaches her work at ZIPS. Alma owns and operates two ZIPS Cleaners in the Washington DC area, and is a wonderful example of the dedication and focus on relationships that has been so much a part of Hispanic heritage over the years.
How you and your family’s history impacted your work, your relationships with colleagues and your interactions with customers?
My family’s history has always been at the core of who I am. I grew up seeing my parents work incredibly hard, often with limited resources, but always with pride and determination. Their example taught me that work is not just about a paycheck, it is about perseverance, showing up and putting your best into everything you do. That mindset has shaped the way I approach my relationships with colleagues and customers. Having navigated between cultures, I try to be approachable and respectful which helps build strong and genuine relationships.
What are the challenges you’ve overcome and what have you learned through your experience with ZIPS?
The journey has not always been easy. There are times when I felt like I had to prove myself more than others, or even I questioned if my voice truly mattered. But those challenges taught me to stand taller and to remember that the strength I carry comes from my family’s sacrifices and resilience. My experience at ZIPS has reinforced that my background is not a limitation but a strength. It has given me perspective, grit, and adaptability, and it has helped me build real connections with the people I work with and our customers.
