Today we’d like to introduce you to Analisse Diaz.
Hi Analisse, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Yes, of course! First, I’d like to thank you again for having me. I’m so honored to have been considered and allowed to share my story on your platform and for you taking the time to interview me.
My name is Analisse Diaz. I am 31 years old. I’m originally from the Bronx, New York, and am currently located in Baltimore, MD. I am the Founder and CEO of the brand “Orgullo and Soul.” Orgullo (pronounced OR-GOO-YO) is Spanish and translates to the word pride in English. The influence of my brand came from the love, pride, and passion I have for my Afro-Boricua roots, and its name was birthed from the same influence. I wanted my brand to embody a fusion of what makes me. Starting with the name, a bilingual Afro-Puerto Rican woman filled with pride and soul. I wanted the brand name to provide a feeling and a vibe, to provide intrigue!
For me, Orgullo and Soul is more than just-food. Everyone has to eat so; therefore, it’s a lifestyle. But the food is at the heart and soul of it.
Orgullo and Soul started at the intersection stop sign of holding the position as a State Trooper and eventually parting ways with the agency. It was a tough and confusing time in my life. I was no longer in alignment with that title but also had no idea what I was actually going to do next. However, I knew that I was talented, intelligent, creative, driven, and aspirational. I also always had the dream of one day owning a restaurant. In fact, I spent a lot of time in the kitchen playing with and creating recipes for my friends and family to try.
I also would always volunteer for the opportunity to plan, organize and curate celebrations for my friends and family. I enjoyed the process of curating a theme, putting together custom menus and aesthetics, and then executing. I found pleasure in creating the element of surprise and making people feel special on their special days. So at a time of uncertainty, I just leaped faith and registered my business.
I started out selling dinners, and I tell you, I was so scared, lol. I was like, who is going to randomly buy dinners from me? What if people think I’m crazy! But the reviews blew me away!!! So I continued. From there, I started posting plated dinners, tapas-style spreads, decor, and unique recipes fusing authentic Puerto Rican dishes and Soul food dishes. People started to inquire about catering, private dining, and private chef services, and well, here we are! Everyone was so pleased and so supportive.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t necessarily been a completely smooth road, but I am blessed to say that it also hasn’t been extremely rocky either. Considering that I was new to the whole idea of owning/running a business, I don’t come from passed down businesses or family inheritance. Entrepreneurship is the first-generation move for me.
I know that with success comes taking risks, and with both of these things comes challenges. Every day isn’t easy! If I can be transparent, I am a perfectionist in my own right! Anything attached to my name is my reputation, and therefore, I take it seriously, which leads me to the fact that I am my WORST critic!!! I am extremely hard on myself, so I believe some of my struggles at times are self-inflicted! (I know, I know)
Many people want entrepreneurship for the idea of being your own boss! But being your own boss does not relieve you of the responsibilities of doing what needs to be done and the growth of the business! While I am blessed to say business has been going well in the sense that people really love my food, they love the aesthetics; they love the experience Orgullo and Soul create. There is a responsibility to uphold that expectation and meet or beat the experiences I’ve created.
Also, I have to wear many hats; because we are still a small business, I am the owner, the chef, the planner, customer service, the accountant, etc. So again, as a small business, there are still many layers I’m still learning to navigate.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Orgullo and Soul?
Orgullo and Soul is a Catering/Event planning business specializing in and known for creating deliciously robust cuisine and curating intimate dining experiences. What sets the brand apart is its fusion of Puerto Rican and Soul food cuisine. My Afro-Puerto Rican and Soul roots influence the seasoning and ingredients and how each entree is prepared. The brand, the name, the deep flavor of the cuisine is all influenced by the fusion of both cultures, Puerto Rican and black, that contributed to my upbringing.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of the reputation and the referrals that have come from my work. The compliments that lead with how I was able to make my clients feel followed by the taste of the food fill my heart with so much pride and joy! It’s fulfilling and makes all the hard work, the blood, sweat, and tears worth it.
Orgullo and Soul have plans to have a food truck and restaurant in the future. For now, we offer Catering/event planning, corporate catering, private /intimate dining for small groups, and private chef services. Also, coming soon gourmet meal prep services.
Contact Info:
- Email: DineOrgulloandSoul@gmail.com
- Website: www.OrgulloandSoul.com
- Instagram: OrgulloandSoul
- Other: Tiktok: DineOrgulloandSoul
Image Credits
Elena Felton
