In 1927, she opened the first Latin music store in New York City, one of only sixteen businesses owned by Puerto Rican migrant women.

[1][7][8] They were encouraged by their maternal grandmother, who lived with the family, to study music and Victoria became a skilled cellist, violinist and pianist.

[1][6] In 1919, Hernández moved with her mother, grandmother and siblings to New York City and began work as a factory seamstress, who gave piano lessons to generate additional income.

[6][11] According to the historian Virginia Sánchez Korrol, at the time Hernández was one of only sixteen Puerto Rican women operating businesses in the United States.

[1] To contest the stereotype that musicians were irresponsible bohemians, Hernández insisted that the quartet forego the traditional costumes featuring ruffled-sleeve shirts and instead wear suits and ties.

Her benevolence earned her the honorific La Madrina (the godmother) from some, but also less flattering titles by those who felt her charges were usurious.

[15] After unsuccessfully trying to restart her business in Mexico, Hernández returned to New York City and in 1941, moved into the Manhanset Building at 786 Prospect Avenue in The Bronx.

[17][18] Hernández died on April 11, 1998, in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico and was buried in Rafael's tomb in the Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery of Old San Juan.