Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Medina.
Hi Vanessa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
In 2002 I moved to the United States from Guatemala knowing little to no English with my now ex-husband and my 3-year-old daughter. My first job here in Minnesota was in the restaurant industry. I quickly learned how much I enjoyed learning about hospitality and connecting with people all while also learning a new culture. When starting my first job at Red Lobster I learned everything from the back of the restaurant, when starting out in the kitchen to the front of the restaurant where I hosted, served, and learned about drinks. I spent 17 years working at my first restaurant. At 36 years old I went through a divorce and I then had to begin looking for other jobs that could help me support my two daughters and me. Ironically Armando Ocampo my now co-owner reached out wondering if I was in search of a job and hired me to begin working at a Mexican Restaurant as a General manager. However, once the pandemic happened restaurants shut down and I was left unemployed. I then began working for a pool company behind a desk, which I appreciated but I knew that working behind a desk was not what I was passionate about. One day after working at the pool company I got home eager to present my idea to my oldest daughter. My idea was to sell food from home since restaurants were shut down because of the pandemic. I thought it was a great idea… as my daughter responded with “Mom who will buy your food during a pandemic?” I was so proud of that idea that nothing could hold me back. I thought to myself that if it did not work out then I would stop but I wouldn’t regret not trying.
So that was exactly what I started doing, my best friend Ana was always there motivating me and helping me spread the word about how good my food was, She also gave me her recipe for her delicious pupusas (street food from El Salvador). I was so happy with the outcome that I called my back-then boss Armando to come and try my food, his response was “you cook?” and I said of course I cook, he tried the food I made to sell for the week and he loved it. He was also encouraging me to keep on cooking and selling my food. One day he said, “you should open something up”. I explained to him that had always been one of my biggest dreams and that ideally, that was my goal. His brain began wiring up like it does when he gets creative and a couple of weeks after thinking about it we started our journey of becoming business partners. We opened Mrs.Taco on January 4th of 2022 in Andover Minnesota. We sell a variety of foods from Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Getting to where I am today has not been an easy ride. Not only have I faced many obstacles along the way but I continue to face barriers that I learn to overcome. Although it would be easy to say that no facing challenges will be ideal I believe that it would not be ideal. Facing the challenges I have faced such as immigrating to a foreign country, going through a divorce, and raising two kids on my own has thought me a lot and has helped me to grow on my faith and as an individual. For that I am grateful.
Thank you so much.
In the restaurant aspect of challenges, opening a restaurant is a challenge within itself. From the construction side of it to licensing, to teaching our cooks and servers about our many recipes and the list goes on. Another fun and exciting challenge has been introducing the food to our customers, especially customers who have little to no knowledge about food from Mexico, Guatemala, or El Salvador.
We’ve been impressed with Mrs. Taco, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Mrs. Taco is a Fresh Home Made Authentic Latin restaurant, located in Andover Mn. The first restaurant in Andover to offer Guatemalan cuisine, we also offer food from El Salvador and Mexico, It has a full bar, and we work with the best Tequilas, Mezcales, and the best rums around Latin America, like Rum Zacapa (Guatemala) Rum Flor de Caña (Nicaragua) Diplomático (Venezuela).
Knowing that we don’t serve just food but our traditions and cultures on a plate make me so proud. Seeing people’s faces after they take the first bite or a sip of their drink is what motivates me to keep on going. Knowing that I’m not working hard just to build a business, but a legacy of good examples, hard work, morals, and values is what I take the most pride in.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
Have faith because, without it, it will be hard to keep on going, Be patient, this is something I still struggle with, but that is very necessary. Work hard because no one will care about your business more than you do,
Having a business is a rollercoaster of emotions. One day everything seems to be going great and suddenly something takes a turn but rather than complain or give up you need to push yourself to begin thinking of solutions and those next steps because time is valuable. Rather than shut down be creative, never settle, and always have a plan even if at times it seems delusional, you may surprise yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mrstacomn.com
- Instagram: @mrs.tacoofandover_mn
- Facebook: Mrs. Taco Andover
Image Credits
Mitzi Marquez and Authentic Grace Photography + Films
