Meet Azucena Tovar. Coming from a long line of entrepreneurs, she was destined to be where she is now as the owner of Los Sombreros Cantina & Cafe. Even though her early aspirations were to become a scientist, she wouldn’t change a thing. Read how she finished these 20 sentences.
Name: Azucena Tovar
Age: 41
Title: Owner/Head Chef
Married/Single: Married
Kids: No
Live: Scottsdale, AZ
I was born…
In San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
My favorite thing about Arizona…
The Saguaro cactus, they are beautiful!
I’m listening to…
anything I can dance to, especially salsa music. I listen to Latino Vibe 95.1 locally. I am a big fan of Pitbull. In the mornings, I listen to yoga music to start the day on a positive note, such as Deva Premal. Also, I love piano instrumentals and symphony music.
My family…
lives in Mexico and they are very fascinating people. Most of my siblings are entrepreneurs. My sister owns several hardware stores, and she owns a bilingual school. Another sister and her husband own several shoe factories. I have a brother that owns a collection of small restaurants, a brother that is a lawyer, and another brother that is a top scientist in Mexico.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be…
with my mom, she was very influential and an important part of who I am today.
One thing I cannot live without…
Beans, they are indigenous to Mexico and an essential part of daily life! I grew up having fresh beans and fresh salsa, among other things, like tortillas, and freshly squeezed orange juice. Today, my favorite beans are refried pinto beans. I also make some amazing charro beans, which are cooked with bacon, chorizo and longaniza. However, this style of charro beans can be fattening, so that’s a treat I reserve for special occasions.
When I was younger, I wanted to be…
a scientist. I wanted to depart from the small business tradition that runs in my family. However, I ended up a restaurant owner and an entrepreneur. It was my destiny and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I’m inspired by…
my mom. She still inspires me today. She was a strong-willed, hard working woman. She held herself and others to high moral standards.
The one person who motivates me is…
me. Motivation starts with yourself.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be…
hunger, poverty and war.
The perfect day would be…
today. There’s no better day than today.
My first job was…
at my parents’ store. They made ice cream and popsicles. My first job was selling those products. My mom used to make cheese and my uncle had a chicken farm, so we sold those products as well. Later, we sold fresh produce from our farm, such as eggs, beans, produce, fruit, sour cream, and more. We would deliver our products to most of the local hotels and restaurants in town.
My favorite escape…
to dance!
My life…
is truly great and blessed.
I’m currently working on…
planning my next 10 years and trying to see what the future has in store.
Always…
smile.
Never…
hold grudges.
Favorite Quote…
“El que no vive para servir no sirve para vivir”
Translation: he who doesn’t live for helping, it is helpless for him to live.
Biggest Dream…
when I look back and reflect on everything, that I am proud of my life.
My Pet Peeve(s)…
none, I try not to let anything bother me.
