KHON highlights founder Janee Gutierrez for Hispanic Heritage Month
OAHU, Hawaiʻi — Madres Churros founder Janee Gutierrez was recently featured by KHON’s Jodi Leong for Hispanic Heritage Month, spotlighting her growing impact on Hawai‘i’s food community and her innovative approach to blending cultures through food. After just one year in business on Oahu, Gutierrez is gaining recognition for her unique churros made with local Hawaiian poi, a signature twist that honors both her Mexican heritage and the islands she now calls home.
Madres Churros offers a convenient, at-home dessert that can be baked or air-fried. The brand features two products: a classic churro and a poi churro made with locally sourced poi, a traditional Hawaiian canoe crop. All churros are gluten-free, vegan, and fried in coconut oil — a combination not currently found elsewhere in the market.
Gutierrez’s entrepreneurial journey has been amplified by her participation in the Wahiawā Value-Added Center, where she connected with a network of local food entrepreneurs. Through collaboration, community support, and sourcing from local farms, she has positioned Madres Churros for expansion into additional Oahu retail stores, with dreams of eventually landing on the shelves of Whole Foods.
A Community-Driven Approach
Gutierrez’s recognition highlights her commitment to:
- Merging Hawaiian and Mexican culinary traditions
- Supporting local agriculture through poi sourcing
- Strengthening Hawai‘i’s small business ecosystem
- Offering an inclusive dessert option: gluten-free, vegan, and accessible
Her business bridges cultures while meeting a market need for innovative, allergen-friendly local products.
Founder Quote
“ Sometimes you have to do hard things to grow.”
— Janee Gutierrez, Founder, Madres Churros
Watch the Interview
KHON’s full video feature on Janee Gutierrez and Madres Churros is available here:
LinkedIn Video:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/madres-churros_hispanicheritagemonth-mahalo-gratitude-activity-7396240538431193089-AmHl?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAeWBesBLQNoMHX4MAIe2YSeFFeSfFvV3jQ
Media outlets are welcome to reference or embed this interview in coverage.
About Madres Churros
Madres Churros creates convenient, air-fry-or-bake churros inspired by founder Janee Gutierrez’s Mexican heritage and her love for Hawai‘i. The company produces a classic churro alongside its signature poi churro, made with local Hawaiian poi. All products are gluten-free, vegan, and fried in coconut oil. Rooted in community and culture, Madres Churros aims to uplift local farmers while bringing innovative, inclusive desserts to Oahu and beyond.