Today we’d like to introduce you to Iris Garcia.
Iris, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey began at the tender age of 5. Even then, I sensed a distinct difference within myself, though its nature eluded me. At such a young age, I couldn’t fully grasp the depth of my intuition, but I distinctly remember feeling that there was more to the world than met the eye. It was as if I carried a unique essence, a knowingness that set me apart. I speak of this not with pride but with a humble recognition of my own path. Even then, I harbored a deep-seated conviction that I was destined to lead in some capacity. The form this leadership would take remained a mystery, far exceeding the boundaries of my childhood imagination.
My heart has always overflowed with compassion for humanity. The desire to help and serve others is ingrained in my very being. Even in situations where lending a hand seemed illogical, I couldn’t resist offering assistance.
My journey of self-discovery commenced in 2006 when I relocated to Houston, Texas.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
If I were to claim that my journey has been smooth sailing, I’d be deceiving myself and others.
When one steps into a leadership role, the reality quickly sets in that not everyone will support your path. In fact, you may find yourself losing family and friends faster than you can blink. Some of these dissenters may even be within your own circle. It’s a disheartening realization but one that I’ve come to accept as part of the journey. Opposition, I’ve learned, is an inevitable companion on the road to growth. It cultivates resilience and fortitude, teaching us to navigate through chaos while still striving for peace.
Instead of calling them struggles, I would rather places them as obstacles. Conquering obstacles and navigating challenges are intrinsic to the human experience. Without adversity, our capacity for learning and personal growth would remain stagnant. Each encounter with difficulty presents us with an invaluable opportunity for self-discovery and the cultivation of resilience.
I’ve triumphed over several obstacles in my journey. One significant victory has been freeing myself from the need to constantly please others. I’ve learned the importance of maintaining balance and prioritizing rest in my life. Another challenge I’ve overcome is the practice of releasing people, places, and things that no longer align with the path God has called me to walk alone. I’ve come to understand that setting boundaries and saying no doesn’t diminish my kindness; rather, it strengthens my self-respect. Lastly, I’ve embraced the importance of self-care, recognizing that I must attend to my own needs before trying to rescue others (though I say this with a hint of humor).
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Presently, I am deeply immersed in several leadership initiatives across the City of Houston.
By day, I devote my efforts to a private historical Conservancy, where I play a vital role in safeguarding, preserving, educating, and engaging local communities about historical structures dating back to the 1800s. Through strategic partnerships with corporate entities and organizations, we strive to secure the necessary funding and support to fulfill our nonprofit’s mission and vision.
Outside of my professional endeavors, I channel my passions into my catering business, Iris’s Kitchen, which I established amidst the onset of COVID-19. Recognizing the challenges faced by working parents forced to juggle work and childcare during the pandemic-induced school closures; I embarked on a mission to alleviate their burdens by offering dinner prep meals for families. What began as a humble endeavor soon gained momentum, with demand skyrocketing. From initially catering for 5-8 families per week, I found myself orchestrating culinary delights for gatherings ranging from 200-500 attendees, including weddings, anniversaries, and special events. The word spread rapidly, culminating in a remarkable opportunity to bid for the coveted role of signature caterer for the 2023 Diner en Blanc in Houston. To my astonishment, I emerged victorious, surpassing esteemed competitors to secure the esteemed title. Truly, when doors are opened by divine providence (God), they swing wide open.
Finally, I am driven by a passion for spiritual leadership. Alongside my husband, Edmund Garcia, I am honored to serve as pastors in Greater Works Ministries, a small yet impactful ministry nestled in the heart of Houston. Founded by Shon and Dena Gray in November 2009, Greater Works Ministries has been instrumental in shaping me into the woman of God I am today.
For over 15 years, we have dedicated ourselves to serving within this organization. Our ministry is built on a foundation of love and embraces individuals from all walks of life. It is through God’s guidance that our steps have led us here, and we are deeply grateful for the transformative impact this ministry has had on our lives.
At Greater Works Ministries, our mission is clear: to reach out to the lost and broken, to bring healing to the sick, and to rescue the perished. We extend a helping hand to those in need by providing food pantries and assistance to families facing distress. Additionally, we offer counseling services to survivors of domestic abuse and trafficking, as well as to children affected by these atrocities.
Furthermore, we are committed to supporting our United States veterans and seniors, recognizing the importance of extending opportunities for individuals to embark on a new chapter in life. Our ministry places a strong emphasis on family restoration, acknowledging God as the cornerstone of our endeavors.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
During my childhood, I exhibited a keen sense of discernment and curiosity. I distinctly remember a particular incident in first grade where I found myself leading a group of girls in an endeavor involving house and doll making. However, my leadership was challenged by one of the girls, leading to a brief scuffle on the classroom floor. Surprisingly, this altercation resulted in a lasting friendship between us.
I share this anecdote to underscore my lifelong passion for leadership. Despite facing challenges, such as surviving child molestation at the tender age of 3, I have always been drawn to guiding and empowering others. This traumatic experience instilled in me a sense of guardedness, particularly towards women. However, as I matured into my thirties, I gradually embraced a deep-seated passion for women’s empowerment. Although I initially resisted this calling, I eventually realized, amidst the healing of a broken heart, that I was truly drawn to this cause. I embarked on a journey to delve deeper into women’s empowerment, recognizing the significance of both my personal healing and my desire to uplift and empower others.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.iriskitchen.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingforthesoul2.0/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/irismgarcia.global.leader/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iris-m-g-77347976/
- Other: https://www.swellcast.com/soulhealing2.0
Image Credits
Edmund Garcia
Kyra
Cameron
Ava
Elle
Solomon Young
Pamela Hargrove
Iris Garcia
