We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alexandra Martinez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alexandra below.
Alexandra, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?
The freedom and challenges of being a business owner! I’d be lying if I said I never had those moments of doubt, wondering what it would be like to have a regular 9-to-5 job. But, let me tell you, those moments are fleeting, and I always come back to the realization that being my own boss is where I’m meant to be.
The last time I had that thought was during a particularly chaotic morning at Gyroville. We were short-staffed, and I was juggling multiple tasks at once – taking orders, managing the kitchen, and dealing with a supplier issue. The phone was ringing nonstop, and I felt like I was drowning in a sea of chaos.
As I was frantically trying to keep up, I caught myself thinking, “Wouldn’t it be nice to just have a simple job, with a predictable schedule and no worries about payroll or inventory?” I imagined myself sitting at a desk, sipping coffee, and focusing on just one task at a time. It sounded blissful.
But, as I took a deep breath and stepped back for a moment, I realized that I was romanticizing the idea of a “regular” job. I remembered the long hours I spent as a medical office manager, dealing with bureaucratic red tape and feeling unfulfilled. I recalled the sense of restlessness I felt, knowing that I had more to offer, but being constrained by the limitations of someone else’s business.
As I reflected on my journey, I realized that being a business owner, despite its challenges, gives me a sense of purpose and autonomy that I never found in my previous roles. I love the creative freedom to innovate, to experiment, and to make decisions that align with my values and vision.
In that moment of chaos, I made a conscious decision to shift my focus. Instead of getting bogged down by the stress of the moment, I chose to see the bigger picture. I reminded myself of why I started Gyroville in the first place – to share my passion for Greek cuisine, to build a community, and to create a business that would provide for my family and employees.
As I refocused on my goals, the chaos began to dissipate. I delegated tasks to my team, and together, we got everything back under control. The supplier issue got resolved, the kitchen started humming, and the customers kept coming.
In the end, I came to the realization that being a business owner isn’t just about the financial rewards or the freedom to create; it’s about the sense of fulfillment that comes from pursuing my passions and making a meaningful impact on the people around me.
So, while I may have moments of doubt, I know that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be – at the helm of Gyroville, creating delicious food, building a community, and living my dream.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My Background and Journey
My name is Alexandra Martinez, and I’m a proud Miami-born, Venezuelan-raised entrepreneur. My professional journey began in the medical field, where I worked as a dental assistant and later transitioned to medical office management. After years of working in healthcare, I faced a life-changing challenge: thyroid cancer. During my recovery, my partner Tony, who was already in the fast-casual restaurant business, invited me to join him in opening a second location of Gyroville.
Entrepreneurial Leap
I took the leap, leaving behind the medical field to embark on a new adventure. With Tony’s guidance, I quickly adapted to the fast-paced restaurant industry. My management skills and passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences helped me thrive in this new role. As I navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship, I discovered a new sense of purpose and fulfillment.
*Gyroville and Our Mission
Gyroville is a fast-casual Greek restaurant with two locations in South Florida. Our mission is to serve authentic, delicious Greek cuisine in a welcoming environment. We’re committed to using only the freshest ingredients, sourced locally whenever possible, to create mouthwatering gyros, salads, and other traditional Greek dishes. Our goal is to make every guest feel like part of the Gyroville family.
*Social Media and Influencer Work*
As Gyroville grew, I began to explore social media as a way to connect with our customers and share our story. My friend Johanna encouraged me to create an Instagram page for the restaurant, and I soon discovered a passion for creating engaging content. This led to collaborations with foodie influencers, including Lesly Martinez (@cubanbabiieats), who became a mentor and close friend. Today, I’m proud to be a social media influencer in my own right, sharing my love for food, entrepreneurship, and community-building with my followers.
*Influencer Work*
As an influencer, I partner with brands and businesses to showcase their products, services, and experiences. My social media platforms are a reflection of my passions, and I’m dedicated to sharing authentic, engaging content that inspires my audience. Whether it’s a restaurant review, a product showcase, or a behind-the-scenes look at my entrepreneurial journey, I’m committed to delivering high-quality content that resonates with my followers.
*What Sets Me Apart*
I believe my unique blend of medical and business experience, combined with my passion for food, entrepreneurship, and community-building, sets me apart. My journey has taught me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and creativity. I’m proud to be a woman entrepreneur who has overcome challenges and is dedicated to making a positive impact.
*What I’m Most Proud Of*
I’m most proud of building a thriving business that brings people together. Gyroville has become a staple in our community, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve our customers and support local suppliers. I’m also proud of the relationships I’ve built with my team, partners, and fellow entrepreneurs.
*What I Want Readers to Know*
If you’re looking for a delicious, authentic Greek dining experience, I invite you to visit Gyroville! If you’re an entrepreneur or small business owner, I hope my story inspires you to pursue your passions and never give up. And if you’re a fellow foodie or social media enthusiast, let’s connect and share our love for good food, good company, and community-building!
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One of the most challenging moments in my journey was when I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. It was a shock, and my world was turned upside down. I had to undergo surgery and radiation treatment, which left me feeling weak and drained.
During this time, I was also in the process of opening the second location of Gyroville with my partner Tony. It was a chaotic and stressful period, but I was determined to push through.
I couldn’t have done it without the unwavering support of my loved ones. Tony, my partner in business and life, was my rock, keeping everything together while I focused on my recovery. My children, Arianna and Aidan, were my motivation, always checking in on me and making sure I was okay. And my best friend Johanna, aka @psic_johanna, was instrumental in helping me learn about social media during my recovery.
In fact, it was during my recovery from my second surgery that Johanna spent countless hours with me, teaching me the ins and outs of social media. Those were tough days, but with Johanna by my side, we turned them into opportunities for growth and learning. My kids would often join us, and we’d spend hours laughing, learning, and creating content together.
Tony, meanwhile, kept the business running smoothly, ensuring that Gyroville continued to thrive even while I was out. His support and dedication meant the world to me.
My resilience and determination paid off. I completed my treatment, and Gyroville continued to grow. We opened the second location, and it’s been a huge success.
Looking back, I realize that my journey with thyroid cancer taught me the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and community. It showed me that even in the darkest moments, there’s always hope, love, and support to carry you through.
Today, I’m proud to say that I’m cancer-free, and Gyroville is a testament to my resilience, the power of community, and the unwavering support of my loved ones.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
At Gyroville, we’re committed to serving the highest-quality food, made with love and care, every single day. We’re obsessive about using only the freshest ingredients, sourced locally whenever possible, to create authentic Greek cuisine that’s both delicious and consistent.
As an influencer, I’ve built my reputation on honesty and integrity. I only post about products, services, or experiences that I genuinely love and enjoy. If I don’t like something, I won’t post about it, regardless of any potential financial gain. My followers trust my opinions, and I work hard to maintain that trust.
My kids, Arianna and Aidan, are also a big part of my influencer journey. They’re my toughest critics, and if they don’t like something, I know it’s not worth sharing. They keep me grounded and ensure that my reviews remain fresh and honest.
I believe that my commitment to honesty, quality, and community has helped me build a strong reputation within my market. My followers appreciate my authenticity, and I’m grateful for their loyalty and support.
At Gyroville, we’re passionate about offering a unique dining experience that lets our customers take control. Our main concept is centered around customization – you get to build your own rice bowl, salad bowl, or gyros pita exactly how you like it! We’re proud to offer a healthy and delicious fast-casual option that caters to various tastes and dietary needs.
Ultimately, my goal is to inspire and educate my audience, not just to promote products or services. I strive to create content that’s informative, engaging, and authentic, and I’m proud to have built a community that values those same principles.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Alexandra_china1
- Other: Ig. Gyroville_plantationfl
