Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Silva.
Linda, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I came to America at the age of two, my sister who was 15 at the time raised me and my other two siblings. I grew up in Alief and we struggled for the most part of our lives. My sister whom I call “mom” worked three underpaid jobs just to make ends meet and take care of us, there were over eight of us living in a two bedroom apartment at one point. We had to share clothes, shoes, and she made miracles happen for us to have decent Holidays. The struggle was always real! During high school, it was hard for me to get a job because I wasn’t legal at the time and I didn’t fully understand what immigration was. I have always had to work three times harder than the next person.
Through college, I struggled because I had to pay out of pocket so it took me longer than the average person to finish, once DACA passed I was able to complete my courses. But it was a struggle for sure! I got pregnant my Junior year in College which didn’t stop me from finishing, it just made me push harder. I always knew that when I grew up, I didn’t want to struggle or put my kids through what I went through.
However, I am grateful for my struggles otherwise it wouldn’t of made me the woman I am today. During my adult life I was never satisfied at my job, I always felt like there is more to life than making someone else rich. I started an apparel printing company and that went fairly well for about five years… I still felt incomplete. Like I could do more. I have talked about opening my own Colombian restaurant for years but it wasn’t until summer of 2018 that I got serious about it. Hookah was becoming more popular so I thought “why not open a Colombian hookah spot?” There is nothing like it, it’s different and I know it will be a big hit! I want to bring some of the Colombian culture to everyone and show how beautiful it is.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Not being a legal resident growing up really put a burden on me. It has helped me value life in its self a lot more. Also, being a single mother of two and not having much assistance is always a struggle but I NEVER complain. I got it together and handled what I needed to handle. Starting the lounge has not been a smooth road. I work a full-time job, have two kids that have crazy extra activity schedules and I’m doing this without any loans so it has been a huge struggle, I have sacrificed a lot.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Cataleya Hookah Lounge story. Tell us more about the business.
Cataleya Hookah Lounge is different from others because it will provide authentic Colombian food, cooked from a family friend that moved here to Houston from Colombia. We just want to create a comfortable atmosphere that will allow anyone to just relax and enjoy their company. We will also be very diverse, I grew up in a diverse city and I feel like that is the best vision to have. To create unity in one another, no matter race or age (if over 21 lol) Cataleya will be known for their great empanadas and the hookahs that we will have that will be provided by Lavish Clouds Hookah. We are also going to be expanding our menu to cater to all Vegans!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe in luck, I believe if you put your mind to it and keep a tunnel vision then you can become successful. Working hard is all I know how to do and leaving it all to the universe.
Contact Info:
- Address: 14201 S.Main St
Houston TX 77035 - Website: www.cataleyahookahlounge.com
- Phone: 7134784484
- Email: lsilva@cataleyahookahlounge.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cataleyahookah/
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