Connect
To Top

Meet Trailblazer Luz Estrella

Today we’d like to introduce you to Luz Estrella.

Luz, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born and raised in the Dominican Republic. I always visited the United States since I was a teenager. I loved the lifestyle and I knew in my heart that this would one day become my home. I studied Law in the Dominican Republic and once I graduated, I came to live in the United States. In the beginning, it was difficult to adapt, since it is not the same to visit a place than to live in it. After six months of searching and applying to different jobs, God finally opened a door for me. I worked as a paralegal at a law firm. It is an opportunity for which I will always be grateful. After working in several law offices as a paralegal. I wanted something more, and that’s why I wanted to go back to school.

Although it was my desire to go back to school, I did not know which career to choose. I prayed and asked God to help me make a decision. That moment was decisive for me and at that moment I remembered my childhood dream. I always wanted to be a Chef and work in Food Media. I spoke to a friend who told me about some cooking schools in New York, and it is because of the grace and mercy of God that I got accepted at the Institute of Culinary Education in 2016. I also decided to give education an opportunity and decided to apply as a teacher assistant (paraprofessional). These have been some of the most rewarding decisions of my life. These are unique opportunities that I did not take for granted. The program at the Institute of Culinary Education lasted ten months in total including an externship at a fine dining restaurant. I learned a lot and I loved the experience.

With the desire to work on what I love. I decided to launch a blog called A Scrumptious Bite, where I tell stories and share my recipes. I personally believe that as long as we put effort on it we can work on what we are passionate about. I believe that determination brings reward. Beginnings are difficult but are not impossible. I know that God will open doors and this is just the beginning.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been easy honestly. I feared the unknown. I knew in advance that adapting would take time. I waited 6 months before having a job. I was applying and no one called back. Many employers want you to have experience (which is fine), but how will you gain experience, if nobody opens a door for you? I think the most important thing is not giving up. You must believe that everything is possible. I think we should all believe in the American Dream and believe that we will achieve it even if the circumstances say otherwise. Focus on what you want, work hard for it, but also do not expect anyone to do it for you.

We’d love to hear more about A Scrumptious Bite.
A Scrumptious Bite is a blog full of delicious and simple recipes. It has been a very rewarding experience for me. Seeing the satisfaction of people that try my recipes is incomparable. I love to teach, and I try to do that through my blog posts as well. I like to give details of the ingredients and how to prepare them. I like to make jokes and be transparent while I share my stories. I want to be authentic, I want people to get to know me through my posts. I want people to try my recipes and say It is A Scrumptious Bite.

What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Organization is fundamental in order to achieve your goals.

You should always believe in yourself. Believe in your project. If others made it so will you. Find out what will distinguish you from others in your branch and ask yourself the following question: how am I going to stand out? What makes me different?

It is important to remain focused in order to achieve what you want. keep a positive attitude, success is achieved with patience.

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
YSL Photography, Luz Estrella (food photos)

Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

6 Comments

  1. Janill Gonzalez

    May 2, 2019 at 2:28 pm

    So proud of you Luz great interview.

    • Luz

      May 9, 2019 at 2:27 pm

      Thank you Janill 🙂

  2. Carlos

    May 2, 2019 at 5:51 pm

    Amazing story. Continue working young lady!

    • Luz

      May 9, 2019 at 2:28 pm

      Thank you very much.

  3. Marjorie Tejada

    May 7, 2019 at 3:51 am

    Luz, Dios hará grandes obras en tú vida y recompensará todos tus esfuerzos.
    Con cariño,
    Ms. Tejada

    • Luz

      May 9, 2019 at 2:30 pm

      Muchas gracias! Dios ha sido bueno.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in