Today we’d like to introduce you to Diva.
Hi Diva, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my entrepreneurial journey at 16, running a small cake and cupcake business from home in Colombia while I was in university. After moving to the U.S., I worked in multiple restaurants and Colombian bakeries, learning something different from each place and building my experience in the industry. I never truly felt “ready” to be on my own, but I’ve always been a risk-taker.
Eventually, I took the leap and opened La Mexicana Taco Bar in Wilton Manors. What began as a small, struggling restaurant has grown over the past 11 years into a well-known, community-focused business recognized for its events, catering, and strong local presence. Today, I’m focused on expanding with a second location and scaling our catering operations.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road at all. Like most entrepreneurial journeys, it’s been full of challenges financial pressure, staffing issues, operational growing pains, and moments where I had to make tough decisions with limited resources. There were seasons where the business demanded everything: long hours, constant problem-solving, and sacrificing time with family, friends, and any sense of a “normal” schedule. I don’t really believe in the idea of perfect balance, because in many stages of building a business it’s simply not realistic. The reality is that entrepreneurship requires sacrifice but it’s also a choice. It’s a choice I made consciously and one I’ve stayed firm in, because I believe in what I’m building and in the long-term vision for the company.
As you know, we’re big fans of La Mexicana Taco Bar. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
La Mexicana Taco Bar is a community-driven Mexican restaurant and catering brand based in Wilton Manors, Florida, with over 11 years serving the area. What started as a small restaurant has grown into a destination for great food, celebrations, and experiences. We specialize in Mexican street-style food, handcrafted cocktails, and catering for everything from corporate lunches to large community events and festivals.
We’re especially known for our events and our ability to bring people together Cinco de Mayo, Día de los Muertos, weekly themed nights, and large-scale gatherings that can attract over a thousand guests. Beyond the restaurant, our catering and off-site events have become a major part of our business and our future growth strategy.
What sets us apart is that we’re not just a place to eat we’re a place to gather. Our brand is built on consistency, culture, and community. We focus on creating experiences, not just serving meals, whether that’s in our dining room, at a corporate office, or at a large outdoor festival.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the reputation we’ve built: being known as reliable, warm, and deeply connected to our community. I want readers to know that La Mexicana is a business rooted in hard work, resilience, and passion for hospitality and that we’re continuing to grow, expand, and evolve while staying true to what made people fall in love with us in the first place.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest advice is to understand that you will never feel 100% ready and that’s okay. If you wait until everything feels perfect, you’ll probably never start. You learn by doing, by making mistakes, and by adjusting as you go. I also wish I had known earlier how important systems, numbers, and delegation are. Passion and hard work will get you started, but structure is what allows you to grow without burning yourself out.
I’d also say: choose resilience over perfection. There will be hard seasons, slow days, and moments of doubt, but consistency and discipline matter more than motivation. And finally, remember that building a business is a long game. Protect your energy, invest in your brand and your reputation, and don’t be afraid to ask for help sooner than you think you need it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lamexicana.online/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lamexicanatacobar/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lamexicanatacobar/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/la-mexicana-taco-bar-6a6ba8195/
Image Credits
La Mexicana Taco Bar
