She makes a whole snack. Saskia Sorrosa is the founder and CEO of Fresh Bellies, a line of yummy-in-your-tummy bites that parents probably steal from their kids on the reg. But before the mom of 2 started courting investors, she was courtside as an NBA exec.

Here, Saskia shares how she went from hoops to scoops, where she gets her foodie inspiration, and how to break the barriers getting in our way.

How did you become an NBA bigwig?
I was opening satellite offices for a PR agency, and one day, I saw an opening for a communications role at the NBA. It was my dream job, and I ended up managing their comms and online efforts for Latin America and the US Hispanic market. Two years in, I moved to the marketing department, and that’s where I rose through the ranks, eventually becoming VP before leaving to start Fresh Bellies. I never thought I would leave the NBA, but once the entrepreneur itch started, I couldn’t make it stop!

Why did you pivot into kids’ snacks?
When my first daughter was ready for solids, I became hyper-aware of the bland, high-sugar, and high-sodium snack choices. After unsuccessfully scouring the internet for options, I decided to create a brand that made healthy eating more enjoyable.

How do you come up with your flavors?
My upbringing! I was born and raised in Ecuador, and my father was a banana farmer and agricultural entrepreneur. My world revolved around local fruits, veggies, and lots of flavors. My typical meals as a child were things like sancocho, ceviche, or casuela de camarones. I leaned into my Hispanic roots for Fresh Bellies, so instead of flavors like cheddar or barbecue, we use things like mangoes with basil.

You’re the first Latina in the kids’ food industry to raise over $4M in funding. What should we keep in mind when we’re in a similar position of being first?
I never thought about the fact that I was the first Latina in this space. I think it’s more important to focus on your expertise, creativity, and strengths. Know what you bring to the table, use insights from your own background as a competitive advantage, and think strategically about what you need to be successful. It takes perseverance to get where you’re going and the path is not always linear.

What advice do you have for women entering spaces where they’re not represented?
There’s a quote by Simon Sinek that I love: “Too many people ignore opportunities because they only see danger. Entrepreneurs ignore danger because they only see opportunities.” This sums up my view perfectly. Jumping into something new doesn’t mean you won’t be afraid or feel uncomfortable. If you’re willing to push past your comfort zone, you’ll start to see the world through an entirely new lens. Just remember that if something doesn’t work out, you can always try again. Opportunities aren’t finite. They’re there for the taking!