We love featuring fabulous local businesses, like Pikes Peak Market, but we also like giving you a closer look into who these wonderful local business owners and leaders are. From Azteca Gourmet, here are Lorena Jakubczak's answers to the three questions we ask each interviewee.
What are you most excited about this next year?
The expansion of the Pikes Peak Market. We are moving to a bigger location and hopefully becoming a food destination in our beautiful Colorado Springs. Next month, I will be traveling to Oaxaca, Mexico to learn more traditional Oaxacan dishes. I can't wait to come back and start incorporating these flavors to our new summer tamale menu. We will be offering other new dishes like chiles rellenos, corn empanadas, green and red chili tamale with chorizo and eggs.
What is your favorite place in Colorado Springs?
Definitely two places, Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak Mountain. I was very fortunate to ride the train before it closed its doors. The views are breathtaking!
What is saving your life right now? (It can be silly, serious, or anything in between!)
Thank God, many things!
Reading is my passion. Before starting the business, I used to read for hours. Now, I switch the bestsellers for recipes, cookbooks, and food blogs. I love to learn what others are doing. It keeps me focused and always ready to try new approaches.
Traveling to my hometown Oaxaca and being able to go back to see family and good old friends reenergizes my soul and passion about our family business. Walking the streets of Oaxaca, enjoying good mole enchiladas, and sipping mezcal... It all makes sense!
My family and good friend Peggy Kent! I work between 10 to 12 hours a day. If it wasn't for the support of my family and Peggy's unconditional help, I wouldn't be doing what I love to do.
Our followers are the best supporters and lifesavers. Listening or reading our customers' experiences about our tamales is definitely what keeps me going everyday.