Today, we’d like to introduce you to Montserrat Franco.
Hi Montserrat, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Thank you, I appreciate that Voyage gives this space to tell inspiring stories.
I was born in a home of artists in Paraguay, emigrated to Europe in 1998 to pursue my musical education as a trained Opera Singer, it was there in Italy where I found my passion for wine and later in spirits. I was getting acquainted with the land (terroir) and the different wine varietals in Southern Italy, Spain, and France, countries where I got certified as a Sommelier in the respective regulatory councils.
I moved to South Florida in 2002 and began my career in hospitality, at the same time that I was getting my credentials within the Wine & Spirits Education Trust.
I have managed my own bar and restaurant in Miami Beach, worked as a State Manager for the largest privately held winery in Italy “Enoitalia,” became the first Ambassador for LVMH’s first Tequila “Volcan de mi Tierra,” obtained both Tequilier and Master Mezcalier’s certifications awarded by the Mexico State Department of Education (SEP) and most recently became the Miami Market Lead for The Macallan; obtaining the certification on Scotch Whisky by The Edinburgh Academy.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It is not easy to be a female leader in a male-dominated industry; I have faced challenges while living abroad; although I spoke the same language, I was still considered a foreigner, and despite being certified and dedicated to the craft, I was not someone who came from generations of wine makers or master distillers, but, I overcame criticism and found a space to culturally blend with the arts; I wrote poetry and songs that the land inspired me, I have a poetry book that is coming to light this fall, “Diary of a Oaxaca Lover,” in hardcover and all digital platforms.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
Thank you, that is so kind of you. I was born in a home of artists, composers, and creators, so I had to be one. I just knew that “dedication is everything and that to master a craft, you need to give your 100%”. With that being said, I was determined to achieve credentials, build a persona, be a chameleon when needed, wear different hats, work hard, and just be a citizen of the world.
My latest released album “Soy Espadin” is now available in all the streaming platforms, I am the singer-songwriter of all original songs on this 2024 release. All songs were recorded between the Southern State of Oaxaca, Mexico, and Miami, Florida, from 2020 to 2023. The songs were written in Spanish, English, and Zapotec, as well as the upcoming poetry book, which will be released in Spanish, English, and Zapotec.
What makes you happy?
I find happiness and beauty in everything I see, inspiration and strength to keep up the creative process. Working for years in the corporate world and still managing to find time during weekends and holidays to keep up with the artistic side is a motivation, “you do this for passion and not for any other kind of rewards”, if fulfils your soul then you got your life purpose and if you love what you do at work then is no longer a job, it becomes your passion.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.montserratfranco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montserrat.franco_official/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/montserratfranco
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/montserratfranco
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/montserratfranc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/montserratfranco
Image Credits
Olga Kulakova – SFL Style, Mark Medina, Dress: Mane Alta Costura, Palenque Bendito, Mezcal, Oaxaca, Tony Reddinton, Dress: Fabiola Calvo, Hotel Palacio Borghese, Santo Domingo Church, Sinuhe Gerardo, and Alexis Lombera
