Meet Gigi Reyes | Chef and Food Truck owner

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

Hi Gigi, what inspires you?
I am inspired by my family tradition backed up by strong Latin women who have worked hard all of their lives despite of the challenges we face on a daily basis. I am inspired by the obstacles that somehow keep happening yet, getting through them while riding the storm. My biggest inspiration is my grandson, Devin James Reyes who after 12 days of life was taken into eternity. He inspires me to keep moving forward to never give up because life is just too short. There are so many inspirations that keep me moving forward.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I have worked for the State of Florida for over 23 years and during the pandemic we had a tragedy happen to our family where we lost our grandson and almost lost our daughter in law. After losing our grandson and still working in an uncomfortable environment due to the passing of my grandson, I was let go of my job of 23 years during the pandemic. Because of that, I decided to start my own catering company being that cooking has always been my passion and I had no other financial means. While I could have just given up and felt sorry for myself, I persevered and was motivated to work harder. I took it as an opportunity to finally do what I love and that’s to cook. After several months of catering, I was approached by an investor who invested in a food truck for me. I have had the food truck for several months and am striving. I am not where I want to be just yet but pushing to get there. It has not been easy by any means. IT IS HARD WORK! I overcome my challenges each day by just getting it done. I don’t think about it too much because I know regardless, it has to be done. I have learned that owning a business is not a piece of cake and if you want to be successful you need to push and work hard. I want the world to know that anything is possible if you put God first and you work hard toward your goal. I’m still working toward my success. My story started with what looked like the end but is only the beginning.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting I would take her to Wynwood where she can see the culture and art of our community. I would take her to eat at our local restaurants in downtown or Brickell. Check out some of the museums during the day and some dancing during the evening. Maybe some comedy shows and or off Broadway shows. Go to Hollywood beach for some sun and boardwalk drinks and snacks. So many exciting places in Miami. I would definitely take her out in the evening where they have food trucks at various locations. example: Friday nights “Tropical Park”.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shoutout my Grandson Devin James Reyes who’s life was just 12 days short. He has encouraged me in his young life to move forward to keep working. Life is too short not to. Because of his death, I became alive. He taught me that even at 12 days old he can be a testimony to so many that met him. He was God sent and will always be a part of this journey. I also want to shout out my family, (husband, kids, my church family) that have pushed me beyond my limits. They have held my arms up when I was too tired to lift them. They encouraged me, helped me at the worse times during my journey and are still here routing for me. They continue to lift me up when I am not able to keep moving. I thank God every day for the grace he has given me when I am ready to give up.

Website: latinawithflavors.com

Instagram: latinawithflavors

Facebook: latina with flavors

Image Credits
Julio – Photographer