Today we’d like to introduce you to Victor Berrios.
Hi Victor, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey as an entrepreneur has been anything but linear. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, but life had a way of pushing me to bet on myself before I felt fully ready. I’ve worked in healthcare and wellness for years, which taught me discipline, resilience, and how to connect with people on a human level—but it also showed me how limiting traditional systems can be when creativity and individuality aren’t valued.
I started building my own ventures out of a desire for freedom, authenticity, and impact. That first leap turned into multiple passion-driven projects, including wellness coaching, creative media, and eventually my food cart business, Buns Up Wieners Down. What began as a simple idea quickly became a reflection of who I am—bold, fun, unfiltered, and community-focused. I wanted to create something that made people smile, brought people together, and proved that you don’t need a massive budget or perfect circumstances to start.
There were plenty of challenges along the way—financial stress, uncertainty, setbacks, and moments where quitting would’ve been easier. But each obstacle forced me to grow thicker skin, sharpen my vision, and trust my instincts. I learned how to pivot, how to advocate for myself, and how to keep moving even when the path wasn’t clear.
Today, I’m proud to say I’m building businesses on my own terms—rooted in authenticity, creativity, and resilience. I’m still growing, still learning, and still evolving, but every step has been intentional. My story is proof that starting over isn’t failure—it’s often the beginning of something even better.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not a smooth road. If anything, the journey has been defined by challenges that forced me to grow faster than I expected. I’ve faced financial uncertainty, unstable partnerships, and moments where I had to rebuild from scratch—sometimes more than once. There were times when I was juggling survival and vision at the same time, trying to keep momentum while figuring things out in real time.
One of the biggest struggles was learning how to trust myself, especially after being let down by systems or people I believed in. Navigating business ownership without a traditional safety net meant learning everything on the fly—permits, operations, branding, setbacks, and constant problem-solving. There were also emotional challenges: self-doubt, burnout, and the pressure of carrying responsibility not just for myself, but for my family.
But every struggle sharpened me. Each setback taught me how to pivot, how to set boundaries, and how to lead with confidence instead of fear. What once felt like roadblocks became lessons in resilience and self-belief. Looking back, the hard moments didn’t slow me down—they built the foundation for everything I’m creating now.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Buns Up Wieners Down?
At the heart of everything I do is authenticity. My brand isn’t just about selling a product or a service—it’s about creating experiences that feel real, fun, and human. I’ve built my businesses to reflect my personality: bold, unfiltered, community-driven, and intentionally different.
One of my most recognizable ventures is Buns Up Wieners Down, a hot dog cart that blends playful branding with quality food and genuine connection. We’re known for our fun names, positive energy, and the way we turn a simple hot dog into something memorable. It’s not just about food—it’s about creating a vibe, sparking conversations, and making people smile, even if just for a few minutes.
Beyond food, my work extends into wellness and personal growth through Unfiltered Skin and Life Coaching, where I take a holistic, no-filter approach to confidence, self-care, and empowerment. I specialize in helping people feel good from the inside out—whether that’s through skincare, coaching, or simply reminding them that they don’t need to fit into a box to be successful or worthy.
What sets me apart is that I don’t chase trends—I build from truth. I’m deeply hands-on, intentional, and rooted in community. I don’t believe in perfection or polished illusions; I believe in showing up as you are and building something meaningful from there. My brands are extensions of my journey, my values, and my belief that entrepreneurship should feel aligned, not forced.
What I’m most proud of is that every brand I’ve created stands for positivity, resilience, and self-expression. I want readers to know that my businesses are safe spaces—places where creativity is welcomed, individuality is celebrated, and connection comes first. Whether someone interacts with my brand through food, wellness, or conversation, my goal is always the same: leave them feeling better than when they arrived.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My biggest advice when it comes to finding mentors and networking is to focus on genuine connection, not transactions. The most meaningful support I’ve received didn’t come from formal mentorship programs—it came from people who saw my work ethic, believed in my vision, and reached out simply because they wanted to help.
A perfect example of that is The Corner Pub in Wilton Manors. Shannon and Anthony went out of their way to connect with me, offer guidance, and create opportunities without any expectation attached. That kind of support is invaluable, especially as a new entrepreneur navigating unfamiliar territory. Their willingness to reach out, share insight, and open doors reminded me how powerful community-based networking really is.
What’s worked best for me is showing up consistently, being myself, and letting people see my passion firsthand. I don’t lead with an ask—I lead with authenticity. When you focus on building relationships, supporting others, and staying open to learning, the right mentors naturally find their way into your circle.
I’ve also learned that mentorship doesn’t always look like one person guiding you step by step. Sometimes it’s a conversation, a connection, or someone believing in you at the right moment. Stay open, stay humble, and don’t underestimate the impact of local businesses and community leaders who genuinely want to see you win.
Pricing:
- Classic Hot Dogs: competitively priced, with options based on size and toppings
- Specialty Dogs: premium builds with creative toppings and signature names
- Pop-Ups & Community Events: pricing varies based on location and event type
- Private Events & Catering: custom pricing based on guest count, service time, and menu selection
- Brand Activations & Collaborations: tailored pricing for businesses, bars, and special partnerships
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bunsupweinersdown.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bunsupwienersdown?igsh=eWNlMWk3Nnc3dDNt&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Notstayindown4u
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@bunsupwienersdown?_r=1&_t=ZP-93O7VaHjmjH
