Today we’d like to introduce you to Lucinea Vazquez
Hi Lucinea, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Monchy’s is a family-owned restaurant established in 2007 through the hard work and dedication of my parents, who migrated from Mexico to provide better opportunities for my siblings and me. We operate in a fast-paced environment, offering authentic Mexican cuisine to the East End community. Our main priority is to create dishes that evoke the memories of your grandma’s cooking. While we may not be able to replicate those exact flavors, we hope to bring a sense of nostalgia to your dining experience with us.
It’s truly an honor to be part of this journey, especially as the daughter of immigrants. Our path has not been without its challenges, but it has shaped who we are today. My siblings and I have worked tirelessly to build and expand our restaurant. From a young age, I was actively involved in promoting our family business. At just fifteen, I took the initiative to go door to door, distributing flyers to raise awareness for our restaurant. During high school, I also had the opportunity to sell 300-500 tacos weekly, further honing my entrepreneurial skills. Today, my focus is on managing the financial aspects of the business, overseeing marketing and branding efforts, and building strong connections within the community to support our growth and expansion. This hands-on experience gave me a deep understanding of the hard work and dedication required to grow and sustain a successful restaurant. Now, as we look to expand into multiple locations, I am excited to continue building on the legacy we’ve created.
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?
Any entrepreneur will tell you that life is full of challenges and difficulties; it certainly hasn’t been smooth. We are grateful to everyone who chooses to dine in our restaurant. One of the primary challenges we’ve faced has been securing sufficient capital, which has been particularly difficult as a minority-owned business. Access to funding and financial resources can be limited for businesses like ours, which often face additional barriers in securing loans or investment opportunities. This, in turn, has made it more challenging to scale and expand as quickly as we would like. Despite these obstacles, we remain committed to our mission of growth and community impact, and we continue to explore creative solutions to overcome these financial challenges.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in being the face of the company, building connections, and attracting more attention to the business. I am known for my extroverted personality, which I adapt depending on the situation. I am proud to have received the Houston Equity Fund grant in 2023, the Comcast grant in 2024, and the 10k grant from Hello Alice. One of my proudest accomplishments was collaborating with the family of fallen deputy Fernando Esqueda to create a mural that honors his legacy and bravery. We are here for our community.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Create a business plan: Even if it’s a simple roadmap, having a clear plan helps guide decisions. Include market research, competitive analysis, and financial projections. A business plan can evolve, but it should outline your goals and strategies. Set clear, achievable milestones constantly ask yourself, What does my customer need, and how can I provide that better than anyone else? Find a mentor: Seek out experienced entrepreneurs or professionals who can offer guidance and share lessons they’ve learned.
Pricing:
- Breakfast Tacos $2.25
- Lunch Tacos $2.75
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tmonchys.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmonchys/
