Meet Christina Aviles | CEO, El Maya Gourmet Foods LLC

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

Hi Christina, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process behind starting El Maya Gourmet Foods with my father Manny Aviles was deeply rooted in both passion and purpose. We wanted to create something that not only honored our love for bold, authentic flavors but also elevated the quality of hot sauces in a way that hadn’t been done before. Our goal was to craft a hot sauce that wasn’t just about heat—it was about depth, balance, and nourishment. We took a unique approach by incorporating vegetables into our sauces, something no other hot sauce brand is doing right now. This allows us to offer a healthier, more flavorful option without compromising on taste.

Beyond the product itself, I wanted to build a brand that inspires culinary creativity, supports local communities, and connects people through food. Starting my own business was about challenging the status quo, bringing something innovative to the market, and creating a legacy rooted in quality, authenticity, and care.

What should our readers know about your business?
El Maya Gourmet Foods was born out of a passion for high-quality, flavorful hot sauces that go beyond just heat. What sets us apart is our commitment to elevating hot sauce quality while offering a healthier option—we incorporate real vegetables into our recipes, something no other hot sauce is doing right now. This allows us to create a sauce that’s not only bold and balanced but also nutritious, adding depth of flavor without unnecessary additives.

What I’m most proud of is the incredible community we’ve built along the way. From local farmers’ markets and events like Smorgasburg LA to partnerships with Los 5 Puntos, La Mascota Bakery, Fish King Seafood, Café Fiore, Argentina Market, and even Norms Restaurants—the support has been overwhelming. Seeing our sauce featured in a menu item like Norms’ Habanero Jalapeño Bacon Cheeseburger is a testament to how far we’ve come.

But the journey hasn’t been easy. Like any small business, we’ve faced challenges—navigating supply chain issues, scaling production, and staying resilient through setbacks. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is adaptability and perseverance. There’s no blueprint for success, but staying true to our vision, listening to our customers, and continuously refining our craft has kept us moving forward.

At the end of the day, El Maya isn’t just about hot sauce—it’s about flavor, culture, and connection. Our sauces are made to inspire creativity in the kitchen and bring people together over great food. To anyone out there chasing their dream: keep pushing, stay authentic, and never be afraid to carve your own path.

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?
If my best friend was visiting LA for a week, I’d make sure they got the full LA experience—great food, iconic sights, hidden gems, and a mix of city and coastal vibes. Here’s how we’d do it:

Day 1: Welcome to LA – Downtown & Arts District
Breakfast: Start at La Mascota Bakery (East LA) for some of the best pan dulce and tamales in the city.
Morning: Explore The Broad Museum and snap some photos at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Lunch: Hit up Smorgasburg LA (if it’s a Sunday) for a variety of incredible food vendors—maybe some Bug and Bear’s Cannoli!
Afternoon: Walk around the Arts District, check out cool street art, and stop for a drink at Angel City Brewery.
Dinner: Head to Bestia for some of the best Italian food in LA (definitely get a reservation).
Nightcap: Finish the night with craft cocktails at Death & Co.
Day 2: Beach Day & Coastal Vibes
Breakfast: Grab a quick bite at Gjusta (Venice) for an amazing smoked fish plate or breakfast sandwich.
Morning: Walk along Venice Beach, check out the skate park, and explore the Venice Canals.
Lunch: Great White for fresh, Cali-inspired food right near the beach.
Afternoon: Head to Santa Monica Pier, take a ride on the Ferris wheel, or just soak in the views.
Dinner: Cassia for Southeast Asian flavors in a chic setting.
Drinks: Finish at The Bungalow for a laid-back, beachy nightlife vibe.
Day 3: Hollywood & Griffith Park Adventures
Breakfast: République (Mid-Wilshire) for the best pastries and a killer Croque Madame.
Morning: Hike up to the Hollywood Sign or visit the Griffith Observatory for stunning city views.
Lunch: L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele for a legit Neapolitan pizza experience.
Afternoon: Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame, check out Amoeba Music, or visit the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
Dinner: Musso & Frank Grill—Old Hollywood vibes and the best martinis in town.
Drinks: Speakeasy vibes at No Vacancy.
Day 4: East LA & Culture Day
Breakfast: Tacos at Los 5 Puntos—because you can’t visit LA without eating real tacos.
Morning: Visit Olvera Street for Mexican heritage and history.
Lunch: Guelaguetza for authentic Oaxacan food and mezcal.
Afternoon: Explore LACMA and the famous Urban Light installation.
Dinner: Bavel (DTLA) for incredible Middle Eastern cuisine.
Drinks: Apothéke LA for craft cocktails in Chinatown.
Day 5: Shopping & Hidden Gems
Breakfast: Blu Jam Café (Melrose) for their crunchy French toast.
Morning: Shopping spree on Melrose Avenue and The Grove.
Lunch: Jon & Vinny’s for some of the best pasta and pizza in LA.
Afternoon: Drive up Mulholland for epic views, then visit the Getty Center.
Dinner: Providence for a Michelin-star seafood experience.
Drinks: Skybar for rooftop views.
Day 6: San Gabriel Valley Foodie Tour
Breakfast: Sea Harbour for some of the best dim sum in SoCal.
Morning: Visit the Huntington Library & Gardens for a beautiful stroll.
Lunch: Lunasia Dim Sum House (because one dim sum stop is never enough).
Afternoon: Explore Little Tokyo, visit Japanese Village Plaza, and grab a mochi donut at Mochinut.
Dinner: Cafe Fiore (South Pasadena) for an intimate Italian meal.
Drinks: 626 Night Market (if it’s open) for late-night snacks and a fun local experience.
Day 7: Malibu & Relaxation
Breakfast: Malibu Farm for an oceanfront breakfast.
Morning: Chill at Zuma Beach or go for a scenic drive up PCH.
Lunch: Neptune’s Net for seafood and biker vibes.
Afternoon: Wine tasting at Rosenthal Wine Bar & Patio.
Dinner: Nobu Malibu for an unforgettable, high-end meal right on the water.
Drinks: Enjoy a final toast at The Little Door back in LA—one of the most romantic hidden gems in the city.
LA is full of culture, great food, and unforgettable experiences, so this trip would be a perfect mix of iconic sights, local favorites, and off-the-beaten-path gems. Whether it’s enjoying the best tacos, discovering new art, or just watching a sunset over the Pacific, there’s always something amazing to explore. 🌴🔥

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely! El Maya Gourmet Foods wouldn’t be where it is today without the incredible support, encouragement, and partnerships we’ve been fortunate to have along the way. A huge shoutout to all the amazing vendors we’ve met on this journey—like Bug and Bear’s Cannoli—who continue to inspire us with their dedication and passion. We’re beyond grateful for the local farmers’ markets and events, including Smorgasburg LA and the Woodland Hills Farmers Market, which gave us a platform to share our story and introduce our hot sauces to the community.

To our incredible retail partners—Los 5 Puntos (ELA), La Mascota Bakery (ELA), Fish King Seafood (Glendale), Café Fiore (South Pasadena), and Argentina Market (El Monte)—your belief in our brand means the world to us. And of course, a massive thank you to Norms Restaurants for featuring our Mild hot sauce in their Habanero Jalapeno Bacon Cheeseburger—seeing our sauce on a menu is a dream come true!

Lastly, to our online customers and everyone who has ever taken a chance on a bottle of El Maya—your support, feedback, and enthusiasm fuel everything we do. Thank you for being part of our journey, for sharing your love of good food, and for helping us grow. We appreciate you all more than words can say!

Website: https://www.elmayagourmetfoods.com

Instagram: @elmayahotsauce

Twitter: @elmayahotsauce

Facebook: @elmayahotsauce

Image Credits
Images belong to El Maya Gourmet Foods LLC