Meet Gissel Guzman of Southside Tucson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gissel Guzman.

Hi Gissel, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started this journey in 2018 because my mom has two types of cancer, and her diets were very restrictive. I wanted her to see it wasn’t hard to live without meat. She didn’t believe it was possible. I made it a point to prove her wrong. I have always had a passion for cooking. Even at a young age, it’s always come easy to me, almost like a sixth sense. When I became vegan, I had no clue what I was doing; it was extremely challenging for me since I wasn’t educated on veganism. It took so many failed attempts to replicate dishes I grew up with! Finally, I could create the perfect recipes we all seemed to love and enjoy as a child.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Hardship is inevitable when you’re going against the grain, pursuing a life of creative autonomy, and making that your livelihood. My mom wasn’t completely on board with me being a chef. She had other aspirations for me, and it has taken time for her to accept my career choice proudly. One devastating moment when I started as a pop-up shop was when my car broke down right before my first event. I had just spent all my money to attend my first farmers’ market. I remember looking at all my new equipment and supplies and crying because I knew I had to make it there. When there is a will, there is a way. My friend at the time helped me pack up her little Honda, and we made it from Phoenix to Tucson. I almost didn’t make it to that event. It was a heartbreaking chapter, but it added fuel to my fire.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a first-generation immigrant in the US. Despite years of uncertainty and fighting for stability, I’m grateful to my mom for her sacrifices which taught me how to fight for my dreams stubbornly. I’m proud to say that I’ve built a career I love and deeply enjoy. There is a saying I could never relate to until now “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” I am thankful every day to share my creativity with others. My chaotic nomadic upbringing has always been an unusual facet of my background, so I try to bring the global perspectives and influences that I was exposed to from an early age into my recipes. I am proud of what I am building, not only for myself but for my community. Looking back, I never knew I would be specializing in vegan cuisine. Now I have become a resource to my community regarding anything vegan. I am known for my neon orange hair and all my knowledge of vegan replacements. A few of my friends jokingly call me “the vegan queen,” but one thing is for sure, I will forever be a student of my craft.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Nopalinda_

Image Credits
@deathfreefoodie @_nicolereane @uaveggiecats