Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenda Soto.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was lucky enough to find that a position had opened up at the Irving Bazar in May 2010. The hours were odd as this a weekend-based business but it freed up time in the week-day for me to attend school. My job consisted of being in the office to talk to potential tenants as well as create and manage a social media presence. All of this was a learning experience as I had never worked in an office environment before but I was a quick learner. It has now been seven years since I first started and although there have been changes in management over time, I have remained as a key team member due to my direct knowledge of the place and its people.
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?
It has not been a smooth road, as there have been challenges along the way. When I first arrived as part of the team, the Hispanic community in the city of Irving was still reeling from they felt was persecution by our local law enforcement., The fear and paranoia had lowered sales and morale. In 2011, we began hosting forums with the Irving Police Department where officers would come in and reach out the community to answer any question they may have. These forums would happen at least 4 times a year and everyone was welcome to attend. This year we were able to host a large event titled “Meet Your Local Heroes” where we had the Irving Police Department and the Irving Fire Department with us.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Irving Bazar – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
The Irving Bazar is owned and operated by Calitex LLC, a real estate management and investment company. The Irving Bazar itself is a conglomerate of small and locally operated business owners. Although the Irving Bazar is known across the local Hispanic community, we welcome diversity and have business owners ranging from South Korea, Nepal, and Sudan. The Irving Bazar has been a part of the Irving community for many years. A great place to start your own business, it is like a second home to the local community. We have a wide range of businesses such as food, clothing, beauty salons, automotive repair, and more.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
There are challenges ahead but my goal is to give the people here a clearer voice to be heard. We are currently working on making upgrades to the building and listening to some of the suggestions brought forth by our business owners. There are no drastic changes planned but we certainly hope that making renovations and improvements on the building can allow us to bring in more diverse businesses.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2800 W. Irving Blvd.
Irving, TX 75061 - Website: www.IrvingBazar.com
- Phone: 972-457-0919
- Email: brenda@irvingbazar.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/irvingbazar
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/irvingbazar
- Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/irving-bazar-irving
Image Credit:
Hierberia Lupita
Irving Bazar
El Limoncito Restaurant
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