She didn’t start with a brewery. She started with a space. Carmen Velasco-Favela began with a small group—teaching women about craft beer. No big funding. No perfect plan. Just community. That turned into Mujeres Brew House—a space that now represents culture, ownership, and possibility. This is the lesson: 👉 Start small 👉 Build with people 👉 Let demand pull you forward We don’t wait for permission. We build what’s missing. That’s how movements start. 🚀

Hi Everyone, my new startup Lumoza.io launched today. Lumoza is a music rights infrastructure platform for independent artists. I'd appreciate it if you could like the LinkedIn post and repost the announcement. I'm happy to share more info with anyone and thank you all for your support. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/georgemacias_lumoza-music-rights-pro-registration-activity-7445500353149845504-lnbW?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAACsXCABiZ6mVJVfMME0r6971N4Ao62actM

ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals For America)—the nation’s premier organization for Latino professionals—and The Latino Startup are joining forces to create one of San Diego’s most dynamic Latino networking experiences. On April 16th, we will be inviting Latinos and Latinas from across San Diego—founders, professionals, creators, and community leaders—to come together to connect, collaborate, and strengthen our professional community. More details are coming soon, but one thing is certain: this event is fully supported and we are going all out to create one of the best Latino networking events San Diego has ever seen. And this is just the beginning. This sponsored partnership series will take place quarterly throughout the year, creating a powerful and consistent space for our community to build relationships, share opportunities, and elevate Latino leadership across San Diego. 🚀

Hello Community, Here is the video from our guest speaker Rocio Perez, and I really recommend you take a watch. Rocio is always a productive and insightful guest speaker, but with the recent release of her book, Identity Alchemy, she really brings the process and tools you can use to do the work on your mindset. Your mindset is perhaps the biggest factor in determining your success as a founder! Her book is available for purchase at: https://www.themindshiftgame.com/product-page/identity-alchemy-turning-pain-into-gold David

Great news! We just wrapped up Cocinas del Monte’s February sales — and due to the focused work Javier and I have done, we increased sales by 40%. When I first partnered with Javier back in November, my goal was simple: apply Lean Startup principles to an existing business and prove that innovation isn’t just for tech — it works on Main Street too. But before we could grow, we had to stabilize. We restructured from the ground up — tightening labor models, reducing service expenses, cleaning up inventory systems, and installing financial controls that gave us real visibility into cash flow and margins. Once stabilized, we shifted into Customer Discovery. We talked to guests, tour guide operators, local partners, and observed behavior across Old Town. What we discovered was eye-opening. There are many Mexican food restaurants in Old Town. Some are busy. Some are delicious. But none are truly grounded in the history of San Diego. The largest operators specialize in Mexican “comfort food” — enjoyable, familiar, but disconnected from the deeper story of this place. That’s where we saw the opportunity. Old Town is layered history. From the Kumeyaay first peoples, to the Spanish/Mexican ranchero era, to U.S. statehood — the land holds three distinct chapters. Yet that story was not being told through food. We saw a compelling need: To authentically represent the three eras of Old Town from a culinary perspective. Not as a museum. Not as a theme. But as a living extension of Old Town — expressed through the food traditions each culture practiced. Once that direction became clear, we focused on building the brand around it: • A new logo reflecting our Californio identity • New furniture and layout to support gathering and warmth • A refined menu grounded in land, fire, and heritage • Stronger partnerships with tour guide operators to align with visitor flow • Strategic relationships with local tribal elders as we prepare to honor Antonio Garra Day on March 28th — marking a meaningful step toward representing the first era of this land with respect and collaboration