Part One
If I could be honest here...I would describe myself as a picky eater, with occasional crippling social anxiety who has always had a big dream and burning desire of creating a masterpiece. Looking back at my life's path so far, I can see that these three things were often steering the way for so much of my journey. As the shy, youngest child of Cuban immigrant parents, weekends and all holidays were spent with family, gathered (squeezed) in my Abuelos small Bronx apartment, conversing loudly (Cubans don't talk, they yell at each other, loudly) and eating feasts of traditional Cuban food. My Abuela would prepare traditional favorites like Arroz con pollo (rice with chicken), picadillo (Cuban chili), flan (Cuban custard), guava paste (my dad's favorite), tostones (fried plantains), yuca (a root vegetable similar to potatoes) and Cuban croquettas... and I would refuse it ALL! I would sit quietly with my turkey and mayo on white bread sandwich, that my mother would begrudgingly make for me, and daydream…I was such a dreamer! Since I wasn't one of those people who had a clear idea of what my dream was, so I would rotate between things like (but not limited to) an Olympian figure skater, twirling in my sparkly flowing dress, a scientist who just created the cure for cancer, and a virtuoso pianist, fingers flying across the ivories. I never actually pursued any of these things because I had a fear of failure that prevented me from even so much as taking a lesson. So the years passed by and I ate my turkey and mayo sandwiches on white bread quietly in a corner with dream bubbles ever floating above my head…
Until one day, one of those crazy dreams actually came true...
I dreamt that I was a successful entrepreneur and restaurant owner. I stood tall with confidence, focus, and direction. People came from hours away just to try my amazing vegan dishes. My restaurant was comfy, cute and was located in a quiet and quaint little college town with a loving, supportive community that welcomed me with open arms. That restaurant would be known for great food, positive energy, and superhuman employees who cared about what I was doing… My dream even included a freaking unicorn, sliding down a rainbow, right into the front door of my beloved shop. He helped bring even more life and love to our vision and the "I" became a "we".
I woke up (five years later)… and it was ALL THERE…just as I envisioned it in all its human flesh, blood, brick, and mortar. I even managed to manifest that crazy unicorn! His name is Abraham, and for those of you who may not know him… he is clearly the unicorn, and we are working together to build this masterpiece we call Love Again Local into an even bigger dream come true.
Stay tuned for part 2 of our story so you can learn more about our magical ways...
xoxElena