Darin Espinoza, 13, Sigcangu Lakota
Darin is a determined, independent young man who doesn’t shy away from pursuing what he’s passionate about.
Last year, Darin started his own business, Darin’s Delights , selling baked goods and catering events on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. Darin got started selling his treats at the local farmer’s market, the Sicangu Harvest Market. Based in Mission, S.D. and operated by the Sicangu Food Sovereignty Initiative, the market offers fresh, local produce from the Food Sovereignty Initiative’s Three Sisters Farm, as well as local meat, vegetables, bread, eggs, baked goods, Indigenous ingredients and homemade art & jewelry.
Darin is the youngest vendor at the market and is known for being an adventurous baker, focused on using local and healthy ingredients whenever possible.
“He is a self-motivated,” his mother Evelyn Espinoza said. “If he has an idea he goes for it!”
Darin is one of seven children and has a lot of responsibilities, his mother said. He is very self-motivated, tackling his homeschool curriculum, managing his business orders and participating in traditional life ways.
He is currently working on another endeavor in addition to his baking called, Darin’s Designs, which will feature earrings and accessories he designs and makes on his Cricut Crafting Machine.
We are excited to feature Darin as this month’s youth spotlight, he’s a great example of how Native youth in our communities are pursuing their passions while staying connected to their culture and communities.
You can follow and support Darin’s Delights page on Facebook!
