Rising Stars: Meet Luzviminda Garcia of Goodyear

Today we’d like to introduce you to Luzviminda Garcia

Hi Luzviminda, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Food is my love language. I was born just south of Manila and grew up in the Philippines, where food wasn’t just about eating—it was about family, tradition, and connection. Cooking has always been second nature to me, a way to bring people together and share love through every meal.

At 25, I moved to the United States and have lived in different parts of the Southwest, exploring Filipino restaurants wherever I could. But after settling in Goodyear, AZ, I realized something—while there’s a growing love for Filipino food, the options are hard to come by. Unlike in bigger cities, finding authentic flavors here takes effort, and I often found myself missing the tastes of home.

With the support of Cherishing Life’s Sprinkles (aka my daughter-in-law), I decided to change that—starting with one of the most beloved dishes in Filipino cuisine, Lumpia.

Lumpia is a staple in Filipino households, but every family makes it a little differently. For me, it’s all about flavor and generosity. I make sure every roll is packed with more meat, seasoned just right, and balanced with fresh vegetables to create a satisfying bite every time. I don’t believe in skimping on ingredients because food should be made with care, just like how we’d serve it at home.

For me, sharing a meal isn’t just about the food—it’s about bringing people together, one roll at a time.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting a new business is challenging, to say the least. It’s not just about cooking—it’s about navigating state certifications, licensing requirements, taxes, and figuring out how to get the word out. The process can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to juggle everything at once.

I knew how to make great food, but starting a business from scratch was a whole different challenge. Setting up business accounts, handling paperwork, and creating a social media presence to reach customers felt like a mountain to climb.

Thankfully, I didn’t have to do it alone. Cherishing Life’s Sprinkles (aka my daughter-in-law) was heaven sent. With her experience in social media and business research, she walked me through the entire process step by step. From setting up accounts to making sure we were legally compliant, she helped turn what felt impossible into something achievable.

Every business has its challenges, but having the right support made all the difference.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
For years, I worked as a QC technician in a medical firm, carefully fabricating surgical equipment in a clean-room environment. It was precise, detail-oriented work—but after retiring, I was finally able to return to my first love: cooking.

With more time on my hands, I dove deep into my passion, experimenting in the kitchen and refining my recipes. I didn’t just cook for myself—I shared my food everywhere. I always brought dishes to my husband’s workplace, shared meals with co-workers where I volunteered, and contributed to potlucks. Each time, I saw the same reaction—empty plates and people asking for more.

Again and again, I heard the same thing: “This tastes different—in the best way.” People told me my food had a depth of flavor they couldn’t find elsewhere. And I believe I know why. I grew up in the Philippines, cooking the way my family did—learning the techniques, using fresh ingredients, and trusting my instincts. That experience has never left me. It’s what makes my food stand out, and it’s what I love sharing with others.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I love YouTube—it’s my go-to for discovering new ways to cook and exploring different cuisines from all over the world. I’m always curious about how food is prepared in different cultures, and watching others cook inspires me to experiment in my own kitchen. While I’m not really into cookbooks, I enjoy learning by watching, trying, and tasting—because for me, cooking is all about experience and creativity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://luzvimindas-kusina.square.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luzvimindaskusina/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572953707911