Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Garcia.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I came from very humble beginnings, raised by my grandparents on the southwest side of Houston. I started in the restaurant/hospitality industry as a hostess at the age of 15. Life took me all kinds of crazy directions and at the age of 18, I had my first child. Of course, at this age, it wasn’t the most ideal situation. At the age of 21, I then had my second son. My relationship had become very abusive both verbally and physically during this time, I knew in my heart that I was destined for more, but I felt as if I were stuck. I needed to get away, I just didn’t know how. I didn’t want to be a victim anymore.
One day, I was driving home from work and I stopped by a military recruiting office. I was in R.O.T.C all through high school, so it was definitely a possibility. I signed on to the United States Navy a few days later. It was the hardest decision I ever had to make as I would be leaving my kids behind while I went to basic training, but it was something I knew I needed to do to if my life was to go in a new direction.
On September 23, 2008, I left for basic training. In my navy career, I served in operation Iraqi Freedom and operation Enduring Freedom. It was in the Navy that I learned leadership skills that would stay with me throughout my journey to where I am today. In 2012, I was honorably discharged. It was time to start a new chapter in my life.
I once again found myself in the hospitality industry while I went to college. Hospitality had always been a field that I loved and excelled at. I loved the day to day interaction with my guests. Being a full-time mother, student, and employee was incredibly hard, but in 2013 I earned my Associate Degree in Science in Medical Assisting.
I worked as a phlebotomist right after. I liked what I did, but I missed the hospitality industry. Shortly after I started this job, I met my now-husband, Julio. He owned an Italian restaurant at that time and was about to take over two other locations. Needless to say, he needed help. He asked me to embark on this journey with him. I agreed to this and resigned from my job. I was back in hospitality and I felt like I was where I should be.
A few years went by and both me and Julio were throwing up the idea of creating our own concept. We both loved what we did, and for us, this was our passion. We decided to merge both of our passions for the industry and created Ambriza Social Mexican Kitchen. It became very successful very fast. We were truly blessed to be doing what we truly loved. In August of 2019, we were again blessed with the opportunity to open a second location at The Boadwalk in Cypress. We opened with a bang, and it hasn’t stopped!
God has led me in a million different directions, but they all led me to be the successful woman that I am today. I am a wife, a mother, business owner, and St. Jude committee member and I couldn’t be more happy. I am humbled and truly grateful for all the relationships I have made, people I have met, and lives I have been able to help change.
Great, 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?
Definitely not. Being a new concept, we had to make people believe in our brand just as much as us. We were told no over and over again for potential locations. We were told that our concept was too different. We were told that people wouldn’t understand or like our décor. We flat out were told that we would fail. It became very defeating after a while, but we kept believing in what we were doing. Well, it worked. Read King believed in us and took the leap.
Ambriza Social Mexican Kitchen – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My company is Ambriza Social Mexican Kitchen. We are an Authentic Mexican restaurant that specializes in delicious dishes from different regions of Mexico such as Mexico City, Veracruz, and Oaxaca as well as award-winning Margaritas. We have colorful Dia De Los Muertos themed décor and upbeat Spanish pop music. I, as the owner am most proud of my staff and the amazing hospitality they provide. It definitely sets us apart from any other restaurant around. We truly care about each and every guest that walks through our doors. Once you’ve entered our restaurant, you are a part of our family and we make sure to make you feel that way!
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment of my career was when we opened the doors at Ambriza Vintage. It was a huge feat for us, but we accomplished what seemed to be impossible at one point. It was a dream and we worked hard and left it in God’s hands to make happen. God not only pulled us through, He pulled us through with incredible success and we owe it all to him.
Contact Info:
- Address: Ambriza Social Mexican Kitchen
9945 Barker Cypress Rd, Ste 123
Cypress, TX 77433
832-952-3495
Ambriza Social Mexican Kitchen
10115 Louetta Rd Ste 400
Houston, TX 77070
281-205-1240 - Website: www.ambriza.com
- Phone: listet above
- Email: amber@ambriza.com
- Instagram: ambrizacypresstl and ambrizakitchen
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ambrizakitchen/
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