Jessy's Clean Meals in Lawrence

Yesenia Melo started bringing delicious and healthy alternatives to the grab-and-go lunch lifestyle in Lawrence through a meal prep business called Jessy’s Clean Meals.

As the business was growing, food shopping with limited space in her small car became difficult. When Kristin Wallace of Mill Cities Community Investments introduced Yesenia to the Biz-M-Power Crowdfunding Matching Grant Program, the dream of acquiring a commercial vehicle became a reality.

New to crowdfunding, Yesenia was first hesitant about reaching out to the public. However, with campaign coaching provided by Patronicity, she found a way to present her personal journey in a way she was comfortable with and reached her goal.

In 2023, Jessy’s Place Café opened in Lawrence, a place where healthy food meets a welcoming, inspiring environment.