The Shift #4: Jayleen of JesseJay's Latin Inspired Kitchen

Jayleen Fonseca, co-founder of JesseJay’s Latin Inspired Kitchen in Maryland, shares her journey from corporate America to running a thriving restaurant alongside her husband. Just 11 months after opening, the pandemic hit—but instead of shutting down, they pivoted fast, building out a successful carryout and outdoor dining model that still makes up a significant part of their business.

Jayleen dives into how reading Profit First through a local business book club sparked a financial transformation. With the support of her accountant and a few renamed bank accounts, she implemented the Profit First system her own way—starting small, staying consistent, and getting her team involved.

This episode is full of practical insights for any restaurant owner thinking about taking control of their finances, including how to get started, what accounts to open, and the mental shift that happens when you finally pay yourself first.