Many of us have seen firsthand how family and community play a vital role in the success of entrepreneurs. Neighborhood businesses are often fueled by a mission bigger than just profits. It’s about uplifting the community that uplifted them, and leaning on family—whether biological or chosen—when challenges arise. This is especially true for Denisse and Carlos López, co-owners of Vámonos, a cafe and community hub in Southwest Detroit centered on fitness, wellness, and healthy food.
The idea for Vámonos was born out of Denisse’s personal experience with her family. One day, after Zúmba at Clark Park, she realized there were limited options nearby for families that provided healthy food and served as gathering spaces. This sparked a vision to create a welcoming space for families to come together, stay active, and eat well. This small observation evolved and now Vámonos is the community space Denisse sought—a space where health and wellness are accessible to all.
Vámonos’ journey with ProsperUs Detroit began in 2019 when Carlos enrolled in the Entrepreneur Training Program. Taught by the late Mónica Casarez, the couple used this newfound knowledge to operate the Michigan Squeeze Station until the business relationship took a turn and Carlos and Denisse parted ways with their business partners. However, this business experience paid off as their vision took shape and in 2023 Vámonos became a Motor City Match awardee. ProsperUs provided a matching business loan that supported the opening of Vámonos, along with one-on-one support.
There were many things we knew we had to do but we didn't even know how to start. So thanks to ProsperUs, they were able to put us in that alignment and tell us how we needed to do it, who we needed to call, and the number that we needed. Thanks to that we were able to get the loan, which we're very grateful for because it was a big push.
Vámonos is more than a business, it’s a family project at its core. Denisse’s mother played a crucial role in launching their first venture, Michigan Squeeze Station, and continues to support Vámonos in countless ways. Her mother’s involvement wasn’t just financial—it was a testament to the power of family in bringing a dream to life. Now, extended family members, friends, and even local community volunteers have stepped in to help. They’ve painted walls, set up furniture, and provided ongoing support.
Denisse and Carlos’ journey also reflects how businesses can thrive when they center their mission around caring for others. Their goal wasn’t just to create a profitable business but to uplift their community by offering a space that catered to families’ health and wellness needs. People from the neighborhood began to feel like family, sharing in the mission and actively contributing to its success. Denisse shares, “People from the community have become family. They believe in our mission and want to be part of it.”
This kind of connection shows that businesses grounded in care and community support go beyond transactional relationships—they become woven into the fabric of the neighborhood, helping to foster trust, resilience, and mutual growth.
As we reflect on the significance of Latinx influence on Detroit, we recognize that Latin heritage continues to shape our city’s entrepreneurial landscape. For Denisse, these values are deeply rooted in her Latin heritage. She was inspired by Café con Leche, a business that made her feel seen and supported as a Latina. Now, through Vámonos, she continues that legacy by creating a space where families can gather, celebrate, and thrive together.
Denisse and her family’s story reminds us that businesses built on a foundation of caring for others don’t just succeed, they create lasting impact. Whether it’s providing a space for families or collaborating with neighbors to make wellness more accessible, Vámonos is a testament to how mission-driven work can transform neighborhoods.
If you want to learn more about Vámonos or join one of the physical activities, you can find them on Facebook and Instagram.
