Flores family shares growth of business
TAMUK hosted Tapas and Topics during which there were food selections as well as two guest speakers talking about their respective businesses and what they did and went through to make their businesses as successful as they are today.
“We came out today to enjoy some food and listen to the guest speakers,” Analisa Perales said.
To kick things off Gerald Flores talked about his business, Taco Gear.
“Initially I was a designer for most of my adult life and I was looking for a taco shirt to wear proudly as a Latino and I could not find anything online outside of taco Tuesdays and a taco cap, so I decided to make my own shirt that says Tacos on it in a tattoo font and it grew from there,” Flores said.
As students and members of the community listened to his story and ate their food, there was a sense of pride and inspiration in the room.
His words captured the attention of everyone in attendance.
His goal with speaking to those who showed up for the event was to get through to the young students and share his story and how he built his brand.
He hopes that the takeaway is the belief that they can do that, too, and follow their dreams.
Flores founded the company in 2014 and has grown tremendously across the country spanning all 50 states and 728 cities.
Along with Gerald was his wife Elena Flores, who founded and owns her own business as well called Sew Bonita.
The words and story she shared were powerful and moving and it was clear that those in attendance took her words to heart.
They expressed their appreciation for her words by telling her after the event how special and represented they felt as members of the Hispanic community.
“I feel that sharing stories of people of color and of Latinos and sharing their growth and journey with others is a great way to grow the community,” Elena Flores said.
Both Elena and Gerald Flores have high hopes in inspiring young students
“I hope that if we even inspired just one person today then we have done our jobs,” she added.
After hearing their stories and as Hispanic Heritage Month continues, there is a new outlook on the things that are capable for those who are members of the Hispanic community.
If anything can be taken from Gerald and Elena Flores’ presentation is that no matter where you come from it is possible to achieve your dreams and accomplish your goals.