Meet Melissa Alarcon | Owner of Tabla Mia

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

Hi Melissa, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Opening my own business was always a farfetched dream. I never knew what I was capable of achieving as an entrepreneur. I always thought I had to climb the career ladder. However, times have changed and, in my opinion, the regular 9-5 isn’t the kind of job that fulfills you anymore. My goal (like everyone) is to be successful, be happy with my job, and most of all, show my daughter that hard work and dedication do pay off. With this said, the thought process behind opening my own business is to eventually have a career change and run my business full time.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
In addition to being the owner of Tabla Mia, I work for Assurant Solutions as a Product Development Analyst. I have grown professionally throughout the 16 years I have been with the company. I am very grateful for the experience and the exposure I’ve been given. However, the challenge is balancing a full-time job, running my own business, and being a full-time mom and wife. I have gone through rollercoasters professionally and in my personal life, but the one thing I have learned is to remain optimistic. Life isn’t always peachy but it’s not about what happens, it’s about how you react. I would love the world to know that experiences make us who we are, and Tabla Mia is a reflection of who I am, and I stand proud.

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?
My ideal weekend with a friend would start at the beach soaking up the sun, or on a boat at the Islamorada sandbar. Afterward, we’d put on our best look and head out to one of my favorite restaurants, Dr. Limon, since the night would still be young, we’d head out to the Sugar Tea Room for some drinks and fun. The next day would start at the Peacock Garden Restro Bar for brunch and go shopping at Aventura Mall.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband deserves all the recognition in the world as he is the one who does all my deliveries. He patiently folds the salami and cuts the cheese exactly how I need it cut. I don’t ask for his help, but he always asks me what I need him to do, he is my biggest supporter. I also want to acknowledge my best friends Cristina and Marisol. They are always encouraging me to not give up and keep going. They always help me market and are the best hype team. Last but not least, I want to acknowledge Joeli for planting the seed of opening Tabla Mia as a side hustle.

Website: www.tablamia.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tablaamiaa

Image Credits
Makeup and Pictures: Cristina Donado