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

Hi Tani, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process began with my inspiration. My inspiration being my dad, who I watched become his own boss my whole life. He emigrated to the U.S. from El Salvador and started working at a manufacturing company and soon after followed his passion for soccer by launching his soccer school coaching kids of all ages for the past 40+ years. Because of this, I always asked myself, ‘If my dad could do it, why can’t I?’. So before taking the big risk in my career, I had many conversations with my dad about my ideas, goals, thoughts, or doubts. I listened carefully and asked him about any roadblocks he hit during his time of being an entrepreneur, that way I could use those lessons to my advantage in the future. But the greatest part behind this whole process is that he was 100% in support of my dreams. It’s a blessing to have him not only as a father but as a mentor. He’s proved himself being a successful entrepreneur or else my family and I probably wouldn’t be where we are today. I’ve chosen to follow in his same footsteps with the driven work ethic I apply to my work every day with a goal to keep the legacy alive in our family.

How do you think about risk, what role has taking risks played in your life/career?
Taking risks has played a big role in my life and career and led me to where I am today. Leaving the state I grew up in and had ever known was the biggest risk I took. I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and graduated from The Ohio State University and had never permanently moved to a big city on my own, but it was always something I wanted to do. Once I graduated, I made the big decision to move to New York City for my first job not truly understanding how expensive it is to live, let alone afford rent. But I’ve always been the type of person to find a solution in challenging situations and put my faith in God that I will be taken care of no matter where I go. From that point in my life I continued to travel and live in different places and found myself having more of an open mind and enjoying the journey of meeting new people from all different cultures and walks of life. It has shaped who I am today. There were moments where I thought I couldn’t make it, but the more I put my trust and faith in God, the more he provided for me and reminded me to keep my head up, with 10 toes down, and to keep on going.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
So here’s a list of my favorite spots in Miami! I’m a BIG foodie, so I hope you’re hungry too. 😉 Little Havana – If you like truffle, you MUST try the Gorgonzola, Pear & Black Truffle pizza at Seaspice. This restaurant also overlooks the Miami River so this is a nice spot to have brunch with a view. If you’re feeling touristy, check out Calle Ocho and head over to Ball & Chain for a drink with live music. If you then want to end your day with some dessert, you must try the Abuela Maria Cookie ice cream at Azucar next door. Wynwood – You could spend a whole day just walking through and being amazed by all the art in Wynwood. If you want to indulge in a Miami style burger, try the ‘Frita’ burger at KUSH. Brickell – I loved visiting Brickell City Centre whenever I felt the urge to shop, have a coffee or bite to eat, and just enjoy the views of Brickell. Also something good to know, the wings and fries are delicious over at the CMX Cinema bar. Miami Beach – If you want to try some delicious crab cakes, head over to Meat Market on Lincoln Road. It’s also nice to eat outside and enjoy the ambiance here. If you’re feeling like trying Mediterranean, Byblos has a really great menu! Everything I had there was delicious.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
At this point in my life I’d love to dedicate a shoutout to my parents. They have always been my biggest believers in my dreams and always celebrated every milestone I’ve accomplished in my life. This is something special that’s rooted in our Latinx culture. Anytime one of us win, we ALL win. It’s truly the best feeling to experience this kind of support.

Website: https://www.tanixlopez.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tanixlopez/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanilopez/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tanixlopezz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tanixlopez

Image Credits
Self-portraits: Photographer – Devin Sao, Stylist – Illy Perez, Hair – Jonathan Cole

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