Meet Brisa Lopez | Catering & Food Services, WOC Small Business Owner

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

Hi Brisa, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
To be honest, it was a moment as random as it became later on, a breakthrough.

Back then, I was at a six figure secure job but during one meeting in New York, I realized that I never had the opportunity to give my dream a chance. Then I figured it was now or never. And right there, my life changed forever.

The most important part to start the process of my new business- as naive or romantic as it sounds-, it was the mere fact of acknowledging how sure I was to take that step and how excited I became to start a new chapter in life.

Fortunately, my background in sales, project management and marketing gave me the necessary tools to start a business model. I knew I wanted to start safe and smart, yet small. Going into deep debt wasn’t an option.

Using my savings, career background and the crucial support of my family, I was ready to start.

What should our readers know about your business?
I was born and raised in Mexico City and stayed there until I was 27 when I moved to Los Angeles for good. After trying to satisfy my culinary nostalgia, I realized that even in a city with a vast population of Mexicans, it was very hard to find a place where you can feel like back home. And I am not only talking about the food but the interaction with your customers. One of the key elements of experiencing a visit to a mercado or tianguis, is the conversations and small chat you have during your meal.

That warm and satisfying feeling is what I wanted to offer. Not only a plate of food but an experience that can make you feel better. Nowadays, that is what my business is known for.

Now, I have to say that the beginning was merciless to say the least. I wasn’t only committing mistake after mistake, but the energy and money, was disappearing by the minute. For the first year, my determination and passion for this business, were the only motivation I had to keep going. During that time I grew a thicker skin that made me see the problems, not as a bummer but as an opportunity to learn.

Being consistent, is key. You also have to learn from your mistakes and change your business model based on your resources, skills and projections.

During my third year, I was selected by Linkedin to be part of a national campaign about small business owners. My TV commercial was the only one with an immigrant latina small business owner to appear during the Oscars that year. That moment confirmed my conviction and faith in this project of life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In my opinion, Los Angeles is commonly known for the wrong places and reasons. The best part of this city is not amusement parks or Hollywood.

I believe the magic of this area is how many and different places you can visit in a couple of hours.

Before hitting the road, I would start with some pastries and coffee and Cafe Figaro in Los Feliz, perhaps doing a little bit of thrift shopping while there and then make a quick beer stop in Frogtown and then go to one of my favorite places in the world… Palm Springs. One night at the Ace Hotel followed by brunch at Lulu’s.

Back in LA, to recover and get energy, a latte in Cafe de leche Altadena followed by a hike in Eaton Canyon will be in place. Regardless of weather, finishing the day with a picnic in Laguna Beach would be ideal. I would stop at the deli of super King to get some cheeses and cured meats. You can also find this very rare orange wine from Valle de Guadalupe in Total Wine.

A night out is a must. After a nice meal in Bestia (the wild boar ravioli with cacao sauce!) I would go to either Bar Sinister in West Hollywood or Jumbo’s in Hollywood.

And to say goodbye, I would go to the farmers market at Yamashiro’s restaurant parking lot. The view of the city its breathtaking.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my story to all of those, like me, that come from an extremely tribulated background where you had to break ties with the toxic side of your family and culture, in order to be heard, respected, recognized and free.

To those that loved themselves enough to know they had the right to be who they are and believe in their ideas and dreams.

And because being a small business owner is not a career but a lifestyle, I have to recognize my husband & stepdaughter that not only support every day, but they have changed their routine and day to day , in order to help me and encourage me too keep going.

Website: https://tacoscasa.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brisalopez/

Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/tacoscasa

Yelp: https://www.instagram.com/tacoscasa

Other: https://tacoscasa.com/about-us (linkedin promo)