Life & Work with Ivonne Serna

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ivonne Serna.

Hi Ivonne, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hi everyone!

My name is Ivonne, I am originally from Puerto Peñasco Sonora, I am 30 years old, I have a degree in Psychology and my dream in life has always been to have my own business, I studied in Mexico and when I finished my degree I started working as an educator in some private universities and a high school in Puerto Peñasco and in my free time I used to go around town selling cosmetics.

I always liked to work but unfortunately in Mexico, one job is not enough to meet your goals and more than three was excessive, tiring, and very absorbing, so I made the decision to do something about it. I decided to come to the United States like many people to pursue my dreams, at first it was not easy at all, the language was an impediment and I did not have my family here, which is still the most difficult part.

I started working in a restaurant where I met a wonderful person, we coincided with our life goals and so far we have been together for a little over four years, we decided to start a business together but for that, we needed to save some money, so we spent two years working 15 hours a day and I also worked at night on weekends, it was very tiring but in the end, we were able to buy a food truck where it is not to brag but we have a DELICIOUS menu.

Nobody thought that I could achieve it because I came here only with my dreams, but when you want something with your heart, you try harder and harder until you achieve it. It has not been easy at all, many times I have wanted to give up everything, I have cried, I have been depressed, I have been angry, but I have never given up, because if it were easy then anyone could do it.

Now we have a little over a year with our business, and we have many more goals to meet, and we are extremely grateful to all the people who have supported us by going to eat, sharing our page, recommending us, giving a good opinion about us, many thanks to everyone! Without you, we could not have achieved it.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The language was the first obstacle, coming here alone and not having a place to live, I didn’t know the streets, I had to use a taxi and google maps for everything! I arrived with a friend and he kicked me out of his house and I had to go live with my brother-in-law, they didn’t give me a job anywhere, and I had to do a lot of paperwork to have my studies revalidated.

I started working in a restaurant as a preparer and my body began to have damage, I woke up in the middle of the night with cramps in my arms, I had irritation in my hands to the point that they bled, therefore I prepared myself and made an effort to be able to change positions, and although most of the clients were Americans I wanted to be a waitress.

I fought hard and went through all the areas until I became a waitress. I tried so hard to provide the best service that I had many clients who appreciated me and they all went to the opening of my own business.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Despite the fact that many criticize me for having a university degree and selling tacos, I think that it is another way of helping people, everything we cook we do with a lot of love, and always trying to provide the best service and make the People smile and leave happily.

I am very proud to be achieving my goals but I have to admit that I would never have achieved it without my boyfriend or roommate as I say lol. He has been my greatest support, he encourages me when I don’t feel like it, he takes me by the hand, and we walk together, always been my greatest support along with my parents.

Wednesdays
7440 w Peoria ave, Peoria Az. 85345
5pm – 10pm

What makes you happy?
Never, never, never let someone else decide about my life. All my decisions are based on making my parents proud and my own happiness, I am proud to have the courage to defy so many obstacles, for being so stubborn, for not accepting a NO, and for having so much desire to get ahead and achieving it without trampling on other people.

It feels so nice when I get a nice compliment about our food when people say “these are the best tacos I’ve ever eaten” “I love coming here” and “it’s so delicious” that makes me forget all the bad stuff.

I have to share that a couple of months ago we started a food festival where we invited those people who are starting their business to participate, all this completely free for them, every Wednesday we gather around 14 trailers of food and desserts, a family atmosphere incredible and all this in order to provide a pleasant moment for the families of Peoria and also help those people who are undertaking.

Contact Info:

• Email: Lets_taco@hotmail.com
• Instagram: @Lets.taco.bout.us1
• Facebook: Lets taco bout us

Image Credits:
Let’s Taco Bout Us