Today we’d like to introduce you to Pamela Lozano.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Pamela. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am an immigrant from Venezuela. I graduated from Law School back in Venezuela, but my family and I were forced to immigrate due to the bad political situation in Venezuela. I moved to Dallas four years ago. I’ve done a lot of different things here. I’ve worked as a waitress, in car sales, a tax preparer, photographer, Uber driver, deliverer… and other jobs.
The Arepa Nation first idea came to me when I was working as an Uber driver. I had a few rides to the Dallas Farmers Market and one day, I decided to go there and check it out. I realized there was this great local market, with food and products from all over the world, and even better people in that market were like me, little businesses run by regular and passionate people that believe in themselves and made their dreams come true!
Now, this was a great chance for me to realize that it wasn’t all that hard to start a business in this country. I made comments about this to a friend who joined me that day. The idea was a joke at that time, and it was more like “I can sell papelon con limon here” (its a Venezuelan drink base on unrefined sugar, juice, and lime). But, the idea kept recurring in my head. I was tired of being an Uber driver, and I wanted more. I wanted something on my own that I could believe in and put all my efforts into, so I wouldn’t be draining efforts on the dream of someone else. The Arepas idea came then, the most authentic Venezuelan signature plate! It took a few months to put my ideas in order regarding this little dream. I started to do my research about necessary permits and interviews. Meanwhile, we did the creative work for the logo, banners and menu. Finally, I was all set! The DFM interview day came and we were approved! That was a great day for me!
Two weeks later, we opened for the first time, and it was crazy insane! Suddenly we had this huge line of people ordering. I was overwhelmed, I couldn’t believe all these people wanted to try AREPAS! I guess they looked tasty and filling! Customers accepted our food.
It’s been a learning process all the way here and this is helping us to grow and give better service. It’s our first time in business like this, so we continue to learn.
The DFM public has been amazing! People come here wanting to find something they haven’t tried before, and they are not afraid! I am honored and grateful because most of my costumers aren’t from Venezuela but they are trying our plates, and they are kind enough to always come back to the booth just to say how delicious their dish was, it warms my heart and makes me want to improve and expand my business. Also working in DFM has been also an enrichment experience and the staff have been very supportive. if it wasn’t for all their creativity this market wouldn’t be what it is. They are always hosting great local events, giving entertainment choices to the people, and supporting local business that don’t work at market, but are still local! They support animal care, veganism, diversity, inclusion, art and Music!! I mean, I just can say that this is great place to come and have an amazing time, and I’m very lucky to be part of it.
Has it been a smooth road?
The challenges of this business are more with me personally than any other thing. I suppose I wasn’t quite as ready as I thought I was, but eventually, I learned to keep up and handle it. It has been a mental and physical challenge because we have to carry all the necessary equipment every weekend. We set up and take down the tent, tables, heaters, griddle, coolers, containers, the food, etc. We’re also exposed to the elements (110F. – tornados – or freezing temperatures)
Besides, working on the weekends hasn’t allowed to see my family as much as I used to, and that was quit a change. But it’s so worth it! I love what I’m doing, I love being independent and my own boss. Conclusion: I believe the greatest challenge has probably been with myself.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Arepa Nation – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I’m proud of the overwhelming acceptance of Venezuela’s signature plate, one that is new to this city. The most fulfilling experience is the value our costumers have given to a plate that I was raised with.
I wouldn’t say I have attributes that set me apart because what I’ve realized is that we have more in common than differences. Yes, we are all different. But we are all dreamers and fighters for our dreams. We believe in ourselves and we cherish the same sense of a regular job. We wave an emancipation flag. And we value our individuality wherever we come from.
When it comes to Arepa Nation, the arepa itself Is unique, it’s a healthy dish, gluten-free patty made from corn flour. It’s not only healthy but fulfilling due to its generous size and the ingredients we use to fill the bread. It is hard to describe an arepa, it has many names to describe it out of Venezuela – cornbread, patty, corn pockets, bread, etc…- every ingredient we use to stuff the arepa are made with homemade cooked recipes, that are stay original to Venezuelan flavors. There are so many options to stuff it from beef, chicken, pork, fish, beans, veggies, pretty much any cheese you can imagine, eggs and I could go on and on. It is healthy, fulfilling and versatile dish that goes very well with the city of Dallas.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I like the organization, the cleanness, and most of all the people. People from Dallas is respectful and kind. They have made me feel so welcome to this country. I got a few “thank God you are here, we value people like you coming to this country” while I was an Uber driver.
What I like the least? Hard one. Ummmm…?? Honestly. Nothing. I’d like a Caribbean beach closer maybe (I’m joking!) I’m grateful to this city, for its people and for the many opportunities it has given to me and my family.
Contact Info:
- Address: 920 S Hardwood St. Dallas. TX. 75201
- Website: www.Arepanation.com
- Phone: 2144581638
- Email: arepa.nationtx@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Mr. Roddy Parkinson, Mrs. Pamela Lozano.
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