Diva’s entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 16 in Colombia, selling cupcakes and cakes from her home kitchen. Fast forward to today, she’s the proud owner of a vibrant restaurant in the U.S., where she combines her creative roots with her passion for hospitality to create memorable experiences for her customers. La Mexicana Taco Bar is more than a restaurant—it’s a celebration of culture, connection, and shared joy.
1. Diva, how did your entrepreneurial journey begin?
I started when I was 16 years old, running a small home-based business selling cupcakes and cakes in Colombia. It was successful, and I continued it throughout university until I moved to America. That move opened doors to new opportunities, and after four years in the U.S., I decided to pursue my passion for hospitality. I launched La Mexicana Taco Bar with a vision to celebrate culture, community, and authentic experiences. From baking in my kitchen to managing a restaurant, my entrepreneurial journey has been about resilience, adaptability, and staying true to the people I serve.
2. What challenges did you face in building your business, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges was navigating a new industry in a new country. I had to learn everything—permits, regulations, and cultural nuances—while staying focused on my vision. Another challenge was marketing. Ten years ago, I didn’t have the knowledge or tools for effective digital marketing, so I relied on word-of-mouth to attract customers. Over time, I educated myself in marketing strategies, and it’s now a priority in my business.
Managing a reliable team was also difficult, especially when I had to let go of close friends or family members. Those tough decisions taught me that making choices for the long-term success of the business is necessary.
I overcame these challenges by staying adaptable, networking, and learning from others. Mistakes became opportunities for growth, and perseverance has been my key to progress.
3. When times got tough, what helped you stay motivated?
My family, especially my mom, has always been my source of motivation. She taught me to see challenges as opportunities to grow. The pandemic was a particularly difficult time, with uncertainty about the future of my restaurant. I remember questioning my decisions and whether I should have taken a different path. But my “why”—the mission of creating a space where people could connect and celebrate—gave me the strength to push through.
I leaned on mentors, my team, and daily wins, like improving our takeout service or creating engaging social media content. Listening to the Restaurant Unstoppable podcast reminded me to stay connected to my purpose. Those small victories helped me regain momentum and overcome doubt.
4. What advice would you give to new entrepreneurs just starting out?
Success doesn’t happen overnight. Start with a vision, but be flexible. Surround yourself with a strong support network—mentors, peers, and team members can help you see opportunities you might miss.
Get comfortable with being uncomfortable because growth happens outside your comfort zone. Whether you’re networking, learning a new skill, or facing tough challenges, you’ll grow if you embrace the discomfort.
Most importantly, take care of yourself. Burnout is real, so celebrate small wins, take breaks, and remember that entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint.
5. Can you share a proud moment in your journey so far?
One of my proudest moments was when my mom joined me full-time in the business. She’s been my biggest inspiration, and creating an opportunity for her to be part of something we built together was incredibly meaningful.
I’m also proud of the community we’ve built. After 10 years, we’ve become a space where people come to celebrate birthdays, weddings, proposals, and anniversaries. Each time someone chooses our space for a special memory, it reinforces my purpose.
6. What is your vision for the future?
I’m working on opening a second location, which is a significant milestone for me. This isn’t just about expansion; it’s about sharing our culture and creating more spaces for people to connect and celebrate.
I also want to provide mentorship and growth opportunities for my team and give back to the community through events and collaborations. My ultimate goal is to create a legacy of passion, resilience, and bringing people together.
7. What impact do you hope to create through your work?
I want my restaurant to be a place where people feel valued, inspired, and connected. Food brings people together, and I hope to create lasting memories for my customers.
I also aim to empower women and young entrepreneurs, sharing my journey and encouraging them to pursue their dreams. Through collaboration and kindness, I hope to create a ripple effect of positivity. Beyond the restaurant, I want to give back to the community and support local initiatives, creating an environment where everyone can grow and succeed.
Ultimately, I want my work to nourish people’s spirits, inspire others, and leave them with a sense of belonging.
To learn more about La Mexicana Taco Bar, visit: lamexicanatacobar.com