We had the good fortune of connecting with Silvana Jauja and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Silvana, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
From a very young age, I was passionate about cooking. My inspiration is my great grandmother. An extraordinary woman who had a large garden with plants, fruits and vegetables. This garden was magical. I learned how to prepare delicious food using fresh ingredients. My great grandmother prepared food for weddings, quinceñeras and village festivals in cazuelas de barro with irresistible flavors and smells. I grew up seeing my great grandmother offering food to everyone regardless of who they were. She inspired me everyday with her way of being with others and cooking talents. At 18 years old, I went to the city to study gastronomy in a cultural center for 2 years. When I arrived in the United States, my first job was at the Claremont Colleges in California. I prepared food for breakfast, lunch and dinner for students for 20 years. In 2018, I made the decision to leave my job to follow my passion for cooking and I started my small business in 2018.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My name is Silvana and I am CEO/Founder of Jauja Gourmet Kitchen. I cater small events of 25 to large events of 300 guests. I am passionate about cooking different cuisines. Jauja Gourmet Kitchen offers appetizers, charcuterie boards, taco bar, vegetarian and much more!

I am excited to be at each event and prepare the best food for all my customers. I take care of every detail and every event is important no matter how big or small the event is.

I am a very persistent woman with big dreams and a never ending list of projects on my mind.

I have learned that in life there are falls, but it is also learning to get up and move forward.

The word Jauja is Nahuatl and it means prosperity, abundance and paradise. I am proud of my roots and my family that are from the small town of Jauja Mexico.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For me, it would be incredible to visit the city of Zacatecas, Mexico.

I would take my bestfriend Lupe Maria to visit Zacatecas and learn about the culture, historical places, museums, art, music, festivals, charrería and restaurants. We would walk around the city and try traditional delicious dishes from the region and end the day with a cafecito and sweet empanadas de cajeta.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a huge shoutout to the following organizations that have supported me on this path of entrepreneurship.

Thank you Mónica Robles; founder of Emprendedor@s

Maria Molina Solano; Executive Director of the National Latina Business Women Association Inland Empire Institute

Hari Dhiman, President of Eastvale Chamber of Commerce

Karla Gonzalez business consultant of Inland Empire Small Business Development Center and Inland Empire Women’s Business Center.

Thank you all for your continuous support.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaujagourmetkitchen/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JauJaGourmet/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm2Jv68p46Qa9q9ecip9R4Q

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.