BELIEVE ME! YOU CAN MAKE IT!
Mariella Castro
Owner of Azuquitar & Salao
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education UNIFE LIMA-PERU
- Bachelor's Degree in Education - Caldwell University- NJ-USA
- Bachelors' Degree in Spanish and Languages- Caldwell University -NJ, USA
Mariella is intrepid, takes risks, and knows how to handle pressure. That is the impression she left when we met with her last week. She shared with us some details about her personal life and everything that made her who she is today.
Thank you for taking the time to speak with us! Let's start by introducing you to our readers. Who are you?
Hi! My name is Mariella Castro; I was born in Lima, Peru, on April 5th, 1977, and I am the owner of Azuquitar y Salao. From a very young age, I feel I showed an interest in cooking and teaching. But above all, I enjoyed spending time with my family. Watching my grandmothers cook all kinds of delicious food and everyone sitting around the table was something that marked me in a good way. I also loved playing teacher. Funny enough, I am blessed. I can practice my two passions: teaching and cooking.
Who do you think had the most impact on your life?
My grandmothers played a big part in shaping the person I am today. They were seamstresses, and the other had a store in Arequipa, Peru.
Do you think that you have taken risks that no one else has? Do you think that being risky has paid off for you? My first significant risk was when I came to the United States on 22 (December 21st, 1999). I spent my first Christmas with people I didn't know. It was traumatic but productive in the end. Those people ended up becoming like my family. My two kids were born here in the United States. Being alone has made me brave and intrepid. For example, I used to sell homemade cakes in a neighborhood where no Hispanic people lived. I learned the language to be able to sell my cakes to different people. I feel I'm blessed. I recently learned that I didn't need a lot to be successful. I just needed the willingness to succeed and the correct information.
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What obstacles have you gone through as a woman and entrepreneur?
The biggest obstacle for me has been establishing myself and my food. When I started cooking just Peruvian food, it was more of a loss than a gain. I would sell about six family meals on the weekend. Many people criticized the food and said the flavor was not good enough. As you know, Peruvian food is one of the most diverse in South America. Of course, to achieve the same tastes, you need to have almost the same condiments – luckily for me, I have been changing my recipes and ingredients with customers' input and finding small places that sell certain Peruvian spices. Today, I sell 40-60 family meals just in 2 days- not counting individual orders, deserts, or holiday combos. I have a couple of people on my team helping me, allowing me to focus on the product I serve. The second biggest obstacle I had to get over was this thought or mental limitation that women stayed home, and the men worked. I used to think that once I found the man of my life, I would be able to open my business and focus, and we would work as a team. Today, I am happy I decided not to wait on anyone. Those boundaries were all in my head. I was so afraid of losing money. But slowly, I have been able to gain more clientele.
Can you tell us what your business is all about?
I own a small business called azuquitar y salao – a small Fish& chips place. This concept is very famous in the United Kingdom. They are tiny shops, not as a restaurant but as pick-up-and-go. I loved the idea that my customers could have that. My business is in the Southwest Florida area. You can order via telephone or any social media platform. I will provide you with a pick-up time, or you can stop by and wait for the food to be ready.
Finally, what lessons have you learned, and what advice would you give other entrepreneurs like you?
If you love what you do, things will go great. I love cooking, and it took some time, but It's working for me. But the biggest lesson I've learned is to not listen to negative people. Learn from your mistakes and keep on pushing! You can make it!
For more information about Mariella Castro and the different and delicious plates she has, please click here: Azuquitar y Salao
Telephone : +12393245684
MARIELLAS SERVICES
AZUQUITAR Y SALAO
Mariella'ds Workshop "Pink Aprons"
Mariella'ds Workshop "Pink Aprons"
Peruvian food at its best! Peruvian food is a blend of Spanish, Asian, Incan and other European cuisine influences which are integrated into my cooking. Try it!
Mariella'ds Workshop "Pink Aprons"
Mariella'ds Workshop "Pink Aprons"
Mariella'ds Workshop "Pink Aprons"
This workshop or mini summer camp was created for hardworking parents. We are not here only to care for the children, but to teach them cooking skills which will serve them for a lifetime. Please send message for info. Workshop is open during the summer, holidays and spring break.