Meet Elizabeth Mateo | Manager

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

Hi Elizabeth, how do you think about risk?
When we think about risk and how it has impacted us as young adults, our minds inevitably turn to the lessons passed down by our late father—lessons that have profoundly shaped who we are today. To him, risk wasn’t merely a gamble; it was a necessary part of life, a challenge to never give up, no matter the outcome.

Being an immigrant in the early 80s and 90s, our father faced risk in every aspect of his life. The decision to leave behind his homeland, to step into the unknown of a new country, was only the beginning. There were countless risks that followed—working various jobs, both morning and night, tirelessly sacrificing time, energy, and even comfort to build a better future. These weren’t just professional risks; they were personal sacrifices that weighed on him but never broke his spirit.

Through all of this, our father showed us that the value of risk lies not in immediate success but in the strength to continue despite the obstacles. Whether we fail or succeed, the true goal is to never give up. He lived by this principle, and by doing so, he shaped our understanding of resilience. Success, he taught us, doesn’t come overnight. It takes faith, ambition, and an unwavering willingness to take chances, even when the odds seem stacked against us.

Our father’s legacy is one of courage, determination, and an unshakable belief in our potential. Through his example, we’ve learned that while risk may come with uncertainty, it also carries the promise of growth and the opportunity to uncover who we truly are. It’s not the fear of failure that defines us—it’s the resolve to keep going, to keep striving, and to discover what we’re capable of through every risk we take.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
This business first opened its doors in June of 2000, driven by the vision of our late father, Priciliano Mateo. He noticed a gap in Los Angeles—there were few Mexican ice cream shops or natural juice bars that truly reflected the vibrant flavors of our culture. His belief in the power of fresh, natural ingredients led him to create something special. He envisioned a place where people could enjoy homemade ice cream made with love, using only the best natural ingredients. Priciliano knew that by offering a wide variety of flavors rooted in tradition, the business would resonate with the community. Today, his legacy lives on in every scoop, continuing to bring joy to those who walk through our doors.

Overcoming the challenges of starting a business and continuing our father’s legacy has not been easy, but we push through, driven by the amazing support of our family, friends, and, of course, our loyal customers who walk through those doors every day.

As kids, we watched our father face countless challenges. One of the toughest was the language barrier. Not speaking fluent English was an obstacle, but it never stopped him from making his voice heard or getting his point across. I vividly remember accompanying him to city hall, standing by his side as he revised plan checks and worked tirelessly to ensure we met every code and regulation required to open our doors.

His determination was relentless. He taught us that hard work, persistence, and believing in yourself can help you overcome any challenge. Now, as we continue to build on his foundation, we are inspired daily by the lessons he instilled in us. We carry his spirit forward in everything we do, striving not only to keep his legacy alive but to make him proud every step of the way.

At the heart of our brand lies one guiding principle: **constancy**. For the past 24 years, we have remained committed to using the same high-quality, natural ingredients that have defined our products since day one. We believe that consistency in quality is key to building trust, which is why we never waver from our promise of providing only the freshest ingredients. Every product is crafted with care, ensuring not just freshness, but also satisfaction for each customer. Our commitment to these values ensures that when you choose us, you’re choosing a brand that has been dedicated to your happiness for over two decades.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Monday – afternoon arrival at LAX, check into hotel or Airbnd in Culver City or Mid-city LA.
Dinner at Pacos Tacos , enjoy their amazing Mexican cuisine and margaritas.
Enjoy live Jazz at Riviera31 at the Sofitel in LA

Tuesday – Breakfast at Met her at the Bar, then head to universal studios. Spend the day exploring thrilling rides, movie sets, and attractions like Harry Potter World.
Dinner time: Enjoy a variety of options for dining at the vibrant CityWalk before heading back to relax.

Wednesday: Enjoy a spa day at Burke Williams 10am -4pm
Dinner at Yamashiro in Hollywood, enjoy the scene with some good food and drinks,

Thursday morning- Bike rides on Venice beach for a scenic ride / walk along the boardwalk, enjoy street performers, and dip your toes in the Pacific.
Take a break for lunch at this Venice gem. Try their famous burgers or unique brunch options. 26 Beach Cafe

Friday- Enjoy a morning Hike at Griffith Park, then head over to Zinque for some lunch.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Our beloved Father Priciliano Mateo founder of Mateos Ice cream.
Our team,Sofia Mateo, Artemio Hernandez, Oscar Mateo, Maria Hernandez, & Marcos Cruz.

Website: https://www.mateosicecreamla.com

Instagram: mateosicecream

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mateos-ice-cream-and-fruit-bars-los-angeles-3

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNQFA_dvUhQ