Meet Laura Pelaez | Kronchy Founder and Food Lover

We had the good fortune of connecting with Laura Pelaez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laura, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
What inspired me to start my business is rooted in my deep love for food and my Colombian heritage. I wanted to bring the cherished flavors of my Colombian childhood to today’s fast-paced lifestyle in the US. My goal is simple: to savor delicious foods without guilt and without spending endless hours in the kitchen.

Kronchy is my way of sharing my cultural heritage with the world. I believe that we shouldn’t have to sacrifice time or nutritional value to enjoy the richness of traditional foods. Our country is a vibrant tapestry of cultures, and I firmly believe that the best way to celebrate and share our roots is through the universal language of food.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career path has definitely been unconventional. I started by attending law school, but after a few years, I realized it wasn’t my passion. Following my heart, I switched gears and pursued acting. It was an incredible experience, not only because of the craft itself but also because it led me to meet my husband and business partner, Mario.

Together, we chased our acting dreams in Mexico and then the US. We eventually settled in Atlanta, drawn by both family and the strong film industry here. To support ourselves while pursuing acting, we worked in the hospitality industry, which offered flexible hours. This period instilled a strong work ethic and the importance of adaptability – valuable skills I carry with me today.

However, the entrepreneurial spirit burned bright within me. My love for cooking, combined with the desire to create something of our own, steered us in a new direction – founding Kronchy, a CPG brand.

I’m not afraid to take risks and pivot when needed. My experiences in law school, acting, and hospitality may seem unrelated, but they’ve all equipped me with valuable skills – analytical thinking, creativity, and resilience.

What am I most proud of? Building Kronchy from the ground up, alongside Mario. It’s been a challenging but incredibly rewarding journey. We’ve faced obstacles, but we’ve learned from every step along the way. Always believe in yourself and your vision, and never stop learning.

What do I want the world to know about Kronchy? It’s more than just a delicious snack. It’s a brand built on passion, hard work, and a love for sharing our heritage.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: Catch a Braves Game and Explore The Battery

Start with America’s favorite pastime! Head to Truist Park to catch a Braves game and soak in the exciting atmosphere.

Before the game, grab a delicious meal at Superica , a vibrant restaurant serving up modern Tex-Mex cuisine.

End the night with a local craft beer at the Terrapin Taproom next door.

Day 2: Beltline Adventure and Starlight Drive-In

Take a walk or bike ride along a section of the Atlanta BeltLine, a popular urban trail converting former railway lines into a greenway with public art and green spaces.
Stop for lunch at Ponce City Market , a buzzing food hall with local vendors. Head to Bibi for some of the best Middle Eastern food in town. Close the night with a unique movie experience at Starlight Drive-In , one of Atlanta’s remaining operational outdoor cinemas.

Day 3: Southern Comfort Food and Relax by the River

Fuel up for the day with a hearty breakfast at OK Cafe , a beloved spot known for its classic Southern fare.

Grab a riverside coffee at Chattahoochee Coffee Company and enjoy the peaceful scenery. At night a round of Top Golf and pizza from Antico’s.

Day 4: 24/7 indulgence at Marietta Diner

There’s no bad time to visit Marietta Diner , a 24-hour diner serving up classic American comfort food. Their extensive menu means you can satisfy any craving, any time of day.

Day 5: Immerse in Nature and History

Explore the Atlanta Botanical Garden , a sprawling urban oasis featuring diverse plant collections, stunning floral displays, and serene walking paths. Delve into Atlanta’s rich history at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History . Explore exhibits on dinosaurs, Georgia’s ecosystems, and cultures from around the world.

Day 6: World of Coca-Cola and Beyond

No Atlanta trip is complete without a visit to the World of Coca-Cola , an interactive museum dedicated to the iconic beverage brand. Learn about the history of Coca-Cola, taste flavors from around the world, and create your own personalized Coca-Cola bottle.

Day 7: Relax and Reflect

The last day is perfect for a picnic at Piedmont Park admiring the city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Our support system has been invaluable. From the very beginning, our family and friends have been our biggest cheerleaders. They’ve spread the word about Kronchy throughout the community and have always been there to lend a helping hand, whether it’s at events or during the manufacturing process.

Building a strong foundation. The Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce played a crucial role in establishing and growing Kronchy. Norma Zuñiga, a true champion and partner, connected us with resources and programs that were essential for our success. Another key connection was Nathaly Loaiza from HYPE (Hispanic Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs). Through their events, I met countless entrepreneurs who’ve become not just friends, but valuable business partners.

Learning and growing as a leader. Being selected to be apart of the Atlanta Hawks’ She Leads program was a transformative experience. It provided valuable skills not only for my business but also for life. Here, I had the privilege of meeting my mentor, Mathilda Lambert from JP Morgan Chase. She played a key role in helping me understand the entrepreneurial mindset and connected me with Xamayliz Gonzales. Xamayliz proved to be instrumental in transforming Kronchy’s finances and opening doors to new opportunities.

Website: https://kronchy.us

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kronchy.us/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-pelaez-4baa29221/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kronchy.us

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj-_MyAHRLyZwa-RgaHDQdA