Today we’d like to introduce you to Esmeralda and Paula Hernandez.
Esmeralda and Paula, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have never really liked eating meat growing up and several years ago I medical complication. I was diagnosed with Lupus and almost three years ago I received a kidney transplant and wanted to take care of my body as much as possible. That in combination with learning more about the meat production industry led me to stop consuming animal products. Our mother, Paula Hernandez, has always wanted to share her family’s recipes from Mexico with the world and when our family started to transition to vegan lifestyles, we had to make some changes. We experimented with vegan products to get our recipes as close to the traditional versions as possible. This process is ongoing and we are always working on something new.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road, we did not expect it to be a smooth road. We knew there were going to be complications and that there will be plenty more to come. We cook in rented kitchens and have had to move twice with little notice. These moves are difficult because we need to find a new kitchen, move all our supplies and equipment all as quick as possible. We are a family business so we recognize that we all have different strengths and weaknesses so we play to each of our strengths when we encounter these rough patches.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Our company, Sierra Valley Food, makes 100% vegan Mexican Food. We took our family’s recipes from Mexico and found ways to make them plant-based recipes. We are very diligent with our recipes making as many as 30 versions before we’re ready to present a new item. We are at the Dallas Farmer’s Market almost every weekend which we love. The Dallas Farmer’s Market has a real family feel, everyone has been so nice and helpful during our start. We are very proud of serving our family’s recipes, being 100% vegan, helping the environment, and helping animals. We think what sets us apart is our family’s recipes and our attention to detail.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
We feel like Dallas is a great city for our business. There are not many vegan options in Dallas and have found that people in Dallas are excited when new options open up. If someone was starting out, we would recommend they just go for it. Nothing helps you learn like just doing something and learning how to do it better. We believe everyone’s personal experiences are their most profound source of knowledge so go for it.
Pricing:
- Tamales – 2 for 7.00
- Tacos – 3 for 9.00
- Burrito – 4.00
- Concha – 2.00
- Mexican Chocolate Chip Cookie – $1.50
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sierravalleyfood.com
- Phone: 817-723-6906
- Email: sierravalleyfood@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/sierravalleyfood
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/sierravalleyfood
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sierra-valley-food-dallas?osq=sierra+valley+food
Image Credit:
Sierra Valley Food
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