Emprendiendo Ando: Laura, La Güera de los Girasoles

In the bustling heart of Mexico City,?the native land of cheese-less quesadillas, I met Laura, a woman whose warmth and kindness instantly made me feel at home. Laura is the owner, the heart and soul, of "La Güera de los Girasoles," a restaurant that has been serving traditional Mexican cuisine for 20 years. Her story is one of passion for cooking and caring for her family and customers.

The restaurant offers "comidas corridas," a traditional Mexican dining experience consisting of a full meal at a fixed price —For those unfamiliar, "comidas corridas" are multi-course meals served in quick succession, typically including soup, rice, a main dish, and dessert.

What truly sets Laura’s place apart is the complimentary salad and dessert bar, featuring fresh fruit cocktails and handmade corn tortillas, always hot off the comal. The food was as delightful as the ambiance, but it was what happened after the meal that left a lasting impression.

Discovering Laura's World

My encounter with Laura happened by chance during a visit to Mercado Juárez, where my partner and I were seeking an authentic culinary experience. Amidst the many food stalls, "La Güera de los Girasoles" stood out with its cleanliness, the constant flow of locals and tourists, and the inviting scent of home-cooked meals.?

Laura’s story begins with her move to Mexico City, where she and her husband envisioned a life centered around their shared love of food. With roots in Michoacán and Morelos, Laura’s recipes carry the rich heritage of her upbringing, each dish a tribute to the traditions passed down from her mother and mother-in-law. For Laura, cooking is more than a business—it’s a way of life, a means of connecting with her community, and a way to show love to everyone who walks through her doors.

After a meal my partner fainted, and Laura and her team immediately took action to help. This experience left a lasting impression on me, revealing the depth of Laura’s care for her customers, which extends far beyond the kitchen.

Curious to learn more about the woman behind this extraordinary restaurant, I sat down with Laura for an interview.?

A Fragment of Our Conversation

"How long have you been running this restaurant?" I asked.

"20 years," she replied with a smile, "I opened it with my husband. It's a family business, and everything we make is done with love because we cherish our Mexico."

Laura explained how her love for cooking was sparked by her husband, who worked as a waiter, and his mother, who taught her the recipes that would become the foundation of "La Güera de los Girasoles." These recipes, passed down from her mother-in-law and refined with her own Michoacán flair, are what keep her customers coming back year after year.

When I inquired about her plans for the future, Laura’s eyes lit up. "We’re open to anything," she said, "We want to expand the restaurant and make our dreams come true."

A Business Mindset Fueled by Passion

Laura’s journey is a powerful example of doing business with purpose, for love, and for the greater good. She embodies the idea that success doesn’t just come from profit but from the passion and care you put into your work. As she often says, “When you do something you love, with love, the rewards are much greater than money. You create something that nourishes both body and soul.” As you read Laura’s story, let it inspire you to pursue your own dreams with conviction, knowing that the impact you make can be far greater than you ever imagined.

Laura’s entrepreneurial spirit is evident in her openness to doing business differently, yet successfully. Her willingness to embrace new opportunities, while staying true to her roots, is a refreshing reminder that you can achieve success by following your heart. She invites others to join her in this journey, to do business in Mexico City, a place full of opportunity for those who dare to dream.

Laura’s story is a powerful reminder that the most successful businesses are those built on a foundation of love, purpose, and a commitment to doing good. As we navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, her words echo a simple truth: "No es solo un negocio; es algo que siento." (It's not just a business; it's something I feel.) This deep connection to her work and her mission to feed those who come to her restaurant is what sets Laura apart.

As we continue our journey through the "Emprendiendo Ando" series, I invite you to reflect on your own purpose and passion. Like Laura, pursue your dreams with conviction, not just for profit, but for the impact you can make on others. And remember, Mexico City is open for business—whether you’re looking to start something new or collaborate with entrepreneurs like Laura, the opportunities are abundant.

In the words of a wise entrepreneur, "Doing business for good and with purpose is fulfilling, it’s the key to lasting success."

Until the next story, keep dreaming, keep building, and keep making a difference.