United States
About
Nelly was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the middle of three sisters, and raised with strong
Christian values while attending school in Caguas, PR. After high school, she pursued her
passion for healing at the University of Puerto Rico, earning an associate degree in Physical
Therapy and beginning her career as a physical therapy assistant. Her dedication led her to work
in hospitals, with at-home patients, children, and the elderly. Inspired by her love for
rehabilitation and movement, she also became certified in Zumba, Aqua Zumba, Zumba Gold,
and Zumba Kids.
In 2010, Nelly and her family moved to Guatemala, where she completed her bachelor’s degree
in Physical Therapy, earned certification in Kinesio Tape, and welcomed her second son.
Choosing to focus on raising her two boys, she put her professional career on pause — but her
creativity never stopped.
By 2015, after moving to Virginia, Nelly discovered a new way to share her talents: through
cooking. What began as a small homegrown dessert business in Leesburg, VA, became the seed
of what is now Nelly’s. Her signature vanilla and cheese flans quickly grew in popularity, leading
her to expand into Puerto Rican catering when her family later relocated to Yuma, AZ. There,
Nelly’s became known for authentic dishes that brought communities together around the vibrant
flavors of Puerto Rico.
In 2023, Nelly’s found a new home in Brunswick, GA, where demand for authentic Puerto Rican
food grew. That journey led to the launch of Nelly’s on Wheels in November 2025 — a food
truck dedicated to golden, crispy empanadas and other island favorites.
For Nelly, food is more than flavor — it’s a calling. Guided by 1 Corinthians 10:31 — “So
whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” — she cooks with
the purpose of honoring God in every dish. Her motto, “Flavor with Purpose,” reflects her
mission: to glorify God, spread His word, and bring people together through the love and
comfort of authentic Puerto Rican food.
Today, whether through catering or the food truck, Nelly’s is a celebration of heritage, faith,
and community. Every dish carries Nelly’s heart: rooted in Puerto Rico, enriched by life’s
journey, and always made with love.
