Riding the Rollercoaster of Business

Whether you’ve done it yourself (yet) or not, you know that starting a business isn’t all the glitz and glamour Instagram makes it out to be. It’s daunting, with unexpected twists and unpredictable pitfalls. It requires a sharp intuition, a strong network, and a whole lot of resilience. As I embarked into my fifth business venture, I already knew all that. But then came the pandemic, which shook every core principle I had earned in my career so far. 

Our story

In November of 2019, my husband Gabriel and I were excited to be starting the process of buying our cocktail bar Nativo in Los Angeles. We were already buckled in for the usual rollercoaster of starting a new project, and had meticulously planned, researched, and organized leading up to the purchase. Looking back, I know nothing could’ve really prepared us for doing it all during ‘unprecedented times.’

We were still in escrow when the first national shutdowns started, and considered backing out of the deal. If we did, we would’ve lost our deposit, which was hard-earned, not just through our own work, but through the sacrifices of our immigrant parents. The prospect of losing it all made it impossible to walk away, and we found ourselves plunging headfirst into the unknown, driven by determination and a deep trust in our community. 

Bars were among the hardest-hit establishments during the pandemic, with limited relief efforts aimed at helping them survive. We knew they had to rely on our own creativity to weather the storm. Soon, we had transformed Nativo's platforms into an informational resource, making our Instagram page a hub for valuable local insights and connections to the community. We also had to adapt by offering to-go cocktails, a move that garnered support from local patrons.

While our original vision for Nativo was a cocktail bar, like our other ventures before it, Los Angeles imposed regulations that required us to sell food in order to serve alcohol. We had never owned a restaurant before, and food was definitely not part of our original vision. But we stayed adaptable, and enlisted the help of our friends and family to make it happen.

Leaning on our community was the most essential piece of keeping Nativo alive. In trying to set up food operations, we realized we had no recipes to work with. So we worked our network, leaning on chefs and fellow restaurateurs to share their expertise on menu curation, food measurement, and tips for hiring an amazing team. We even called in our own Moms to help us create menu items, and invited our staff into our home to learn alongside us. It truly took a village to guide us through every twist of the journey.

Once we were finally able to open our doors, we were excited to welcome our beloved supporters to dine and drink. We had a successful nine-day operation until new COVID-19 regulations shut our doors once again. To comply with the latest guidelines, we had to serve food outside – which was, yet again, never part of our plan (or budget!). It was a moment that tested our resolve, with already-ordered inventory to consider, bills to pay, and a sense of uncertainty looming over us. But we refused to feel disheartened.

Thankfully, my husband Gabriel and our lead chef are handymen - with resourcefulness and literal sweat equity, they built a stunning patio that was later recognized as one of Eater LA's top 10 patios in the city. 

Today, Nativo is thriving, with an incredible staff, beloved regulars, and a menu we’re proud of. Our patio is still a treasured piece of our operations, and we’re so proud of how far we’ve come – even though the experience to get here was tough. We recognize that none of where we are today would’ve been possible without the love, support, and showing up of our community members and family. Highland Park, we love you. 

Cheers to all we learned along the way

Throughout our journey, setbacks became opportunities for growth and creativity. We embraced innovation, and always found inventive ways to keep our business interesting and engaging. We organized virtual events, such as streaming DJs on Instagram and hosting digital pairing experiences. Our adaptability played a crucial role in making it all come together. 

Another key learning experience was to remain positive. It was emotionally draining, but we learned to prioritize our mental and physical well-being in order to best lead our team. We knew we had to believe in ourselves in order to make our team members believe in us – we kept our chins up, and our hands deep in daily operations. 

I also personally reached new levels of passion for my community. I know how hard it is to navigate business operations as a woman of color and small business owner, and now work to  advocate for small businesses and underdogs in LA County and beyond. I sit on several boards, using my voice and expertise to fight for fair representation and respect for underrepresented groups.

How to ride the rollercoaster yourself

Running a business is an emotional feat, so be sure to stay motivated and keep your original vision in mind. Throughout my own rollercoaster ride, I was able to draw strength from the resilience instilled in me by my family. Limited resources often require creative problem-solving, so think outside of the box when you feel stuck.

Entrepreneurship requires more than a deep understanding of logistics and numbers. It takes grit, mental strength, and humility. And you can’t do it alone, so surround yourself with good people. I’ve been fortunate to lean on fantastic support systems, such as personal assistants, a meticulously-maintained calendar, and reliable team members to help me manage all the moving parts of my life. Be sure to bring in systems and people you trust to help you focus on your vision.

Remember that you represent more than just your own success story. For myself and my husband, we feel like a voice for fellow Latinos, fellow underdogs, and fellow first-gen kids. You may feel like you represent your family, your community, or your culture too. By recognizing the impact your work can have on your community, and knowing that you represent something bigger than yourself, you can honor the profound potential of your vision. 

Everything you need is already inside of you. Trust your vision, stay adaptable, and you’ll find your footing along the way. And if you need a mentor to help cheer you on along the way, I’m here for you. Through the highs and lows, with determination and a strong sense of purpose, you can overcome any obstacle that comes your way.