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Marielena Becerra & Jaime Alvarez - A Journey Rooted in Resilience and Culture

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Manage episode 461106129 series 3592960
Content provided by Kind Monster Productions. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Kind Monster Productions or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

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Marielena Becerra and Jaime Alvarez are a dynamic husband-and-wife team whose journey is deeply rooted in resilience, cultural pride, and the power of community. Together, they have built a thriving legacy through their family-owned restaurants, Baja Cali Fish & Tacos and Girasol Cocina Mexicana, blending their personal histories and shared values into every aspect of their work.

Born in San Gabriel and raised in El Monte, Marielena’s childhood took a pivotal turn when her father moved their family to Guadalajara, Mexico, in search of safety from rising gang activity in the early 1980s. Spending her formative years in Mexico, she returned to the San Gabriel Valley at age 10, navigating the challenges of adjusting to a new language and culture. Her journey was one of perseverance, shaped by the unwavering support of her parents, educators, and peers.

As a first-generation college student, Marielena earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from CSU Los Angeles. She spent 17 years as an educator, guiding students and fostering a sense of belonging that helped them succeed in their college journeys. In 2022, she stepped into a new chapter, partnering with Jaime to manage their restaurants, where her passion for creating meaningful experiences shines.

Jaime Alvarez, a proud Angeleno raised in Northeast Los Angeles, found refuge from the gang violence of his youth through his love of baseball. The discipline and commitment he developed on the field carried him through life’s challenges, including a 17-year educational journey that culminated in a Bachelor of Science in Business from Cal Poly Pomona and an MBA from the University of La Verne.

Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, Jaime co-founded Baja Cali Fish & Tacos in 2017, growing the business to eight locations across Southern California. His vision expanded with the launch of Girasol Cocina Mexicana in Monrovia, a restaurant inspired by the flavors and traditions of Mexico, where food, music, and hospitality create an unforgettable dining experience.

Together, Marielena and Jaime embody the values of hard work, family, and cultural heritage. Their journey has not been without challenges, including the impact of COVID-19 on the restaurant industry, but their faith and determination have guided them through adversity.

Beyond their professional lives, Marielena and Jaime cherish their roles as parents to their children, Emma, Isabella, Julian, and Camila. They find joy in family walks, cheering on their kids’ activities, and sharing moments of celebration. Jaime’s love for baseball remains a lifelong passion, while Marielena enjoys self-care activities like crafting caramel apples and dancing with her husband.

Their story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of community, and the enduring strength of family. Through their restaurants and their lives, Marielena and Jaime continue to inspire others to dream big, embrace their roots, and work together to create something extraordinary.
___________________
Music Credits
Intro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG
Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library
Outro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

__________________
My SGV Podcast:
Website: www.mysgv.net
Newsletter: Beyond the Mic
Patreon: MySGV Podcast
[email protected]

  continue reading

211 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 461106129 series 3592960
Content provided by Kind Monster Productions. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Kind Monster Productions or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Send us a text

Marielena Becerra and Jaime Alvarez are a dynamic husband-and-wife team whose journey is deeply rooted in resilience, cultural pride, and the power of community. Together, they have built a thriving legacy through their family-owned restaurants, Baja Cali Fish & Tacos and Girasol Cocina Mexicana, blending their personal histories and shared values into every aspect of their work.

Born in San Gabriel and raised in El Monte, Marielena’s childhood took a pivotal turn when her father moved their family to Guadalajara, Mexico, in search of safety from rising gang activity in the early 1980s. Spending her formative years in Mexico, she returned to the San Gabriel Valley at age 10, navigating the challenges of adjusting to a new language and culture. Her journey was one of perseverance, shaped by the unwavering support of her parents, educators, and peers.

As a first-generation college student, Marielena earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from CSU Los Angeles. She spent 17 years as an educator, guiding students and fostering a sense of belonging that helped them succeed in their college journeys. In 2022, she stepped into a new chapter, partnering with Jaime to manage their restaurants, where her passion for creating meaningful experiences shines.

Jaime Alvarez, a proud Angeleno raised in Northeast Los Angeles, found refuge from the gang violence of his youth through his love of baseball. The discipline and commitment he developed on the field carried him through life’s challenges, including a 17-year educational journey that culminated in a Bachelor of Science in Business from Cal Poly Pomona and an MBA from the University of La Verne.

Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, Jaime co-founded Baja Cali Fish & Tacos in 2017, growing the business to eight locations across Southern California. His vision expanded with the launch of Girasol Cocina Mexicana in Monrovia, a restaurant inspired by the flavors and traditions of Mexico, where food, music, and hospitality create an unforgettable dining experience.

Together, Marielena and Jaime embody the values of hard work, family, and cultural heritage. Their journey has not been without challenges, including the impact of COVID-19 on the restaurant industry, but their faith and determination have guided them through adversity.

Beyond their professional lives, Marielena and Jaime cherish their roles as parents to their children, Emma, Isabella, Julian, and Camila. They find joy in family walks, cheering on their kids’ activities, and sharing moments of celebration. Jaime’s love for baseball remains a lifelong passion, while Marielena enjoys self-care activities like crafting caramel apples and dancing with her husband.

Their story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of community, and the enduring strength of family. Through their restaurants and their lives, Marielena and Jaime continue to inspire others to dream big, embrace their roots, and work together to create something extraordinary.
___________________
Music Credits
Intro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG
Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library
Outro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG

__________________
My SGV Podcast:
Website: www.mysgv.net
Newsletter: Beyond the Mic
Patreon: MySGV Podcast
[email protected]

  continue reading

211 episodes

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