Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikoya Lazarde.
Hi Nikoya, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My original goal was to create a business that would allow me to be my own boss, set my own schedule, and do something I truly love. While building my business, I was also working two full-time jobs and raising three beautiful boys, but I was determined to create a better future for my family and turn my dream into reality.
I started small, using a tent setup at local farmers markets and community events where I sold chocolate-covered confections and gourmet chocolate-covered strawberry cups. Creating these treats was something I was passionate about, and I quickly built a loyal customer base. Every event, every sale, and every long day helped me move one step closer to my ultimate goal.
As my business grew, I saved every dollar I could with the dream of eventually owning a food trailer. Once I had the funds to make that dream a reality, I knew I wanted the business to tell a story that was meaningful to me and my family.
My biggest inspiration has always been my mother, Kris Hart. She taught me everything I know about cooking and instilled in me a love for bringing people together through food. Last year, she suffered a hemorrhagic stroke and has been working hard every day on her recovery. Her strength, determination, and resilience inspired me to name my trailer, “Rollin with Hart”.
Today, Rollin with Hart is more than just a food trailer—it’s a tribute to my mom, a reflection of the values she taught me, and proof that hard work, perseverance, and faith can turn a dream into reality. Every event, every customer, and every meal served is part of the legacy I’m building for my family, with my mother’s heart and spirit at the center of it all.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—it’s been a rollercoaster. But it’s also been an amazing journey.
Like any small business, there have been challenges along the way. Finding the right events, dealing with trailer issues, managing schedules, and navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship have all tested me. There have been moments of stress and uncertainty, but each obstacle has taught me something valuable and helped me grow.
What has made it all worth it is the people I’ve met along the way. I’ve had the opportunity to connect with incredible customers, build a loyal customer base, and create what feels like a vendor family. The relationships, support, and sense of community that have come from this journey are things I never expected but truly cherish.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change a minute of it. Every challenge, every lesson, and every success has helped shape Rollin with Hart into what it is today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
While many people know me as the owner of Rollin with Hart, my passion for helping others extends far beyond the food trailer. For the past 14 years, I have served as the Home Study Administrative Supervisor for a large foster and adoption agency in Colorado, dedicated to ensuring foster and adoptive children are placed in safe, loving homes. Being part of a program that helps children find stability and families find one another has been incredibly rewarding and has reinforced my belief that even small acts of service can make a lasting impact.
That same passion for helping people is what inspired me to create the Rollin with Hart Meals From the Hart donation program. Through this initiative, we donate meals to local nonprofits and homeless shelters, allowing our business to give back directly to the community that has supported us. For me, food has always been about more than just a meal—it’s about bringing people together, showing kindness, and making a difference.
What I’m most proud of is being able to combine my love for cooking with my commitment to serving others. Whether I’m helping children find safe homes through my career or providing comfort food and donated meals through Rollin with Hart, my goal has always been the same: to make a positive impact on people’s lives.
I believe what sets Rollin with Hart apart is the heart behind it. Every dish, every event, and every community initiative is rooted in family, perseverance, and a genuine desire to help others. We’re not just serving food—we’re building connections, supporting our community, and creating a legacy inspired by my mother and the values she taught me.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along this journey is to take life one day at a time. In fact, that lesson means so much to me that I have it tattooed on me as a daily reminder.
Running a business, raising a family, and navigating life’s challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming, but I’ve learned that focusing on today and giving it your best is enough. Some days are good, some days are difficult, but all days are a blessing and an opportunity to learn and grow.
A huge part of that perspective comes from watching my mom’s recovery after her hemorrhagic stroke. Seeing the obstacles she faces every day and witnessing her determination to keep moving forward has been one of the greatest sources of inspiration in my life. Her strength reminds me that progress doesn’t always happen overnight, but with faith, perseverance, and a positive mindset, anything is possible.
No matter what challenges come my way, I try to remember that every day is a gift. Take it one day at a time, keep moving forward, and never underestimate what can be accomplished through resilience and hope.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://Www.facebook.com/rollinwithhart
