Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Theresa Albert. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Theresa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

I came up with the name of my small business “The Traveling Empanada”, when I decided to leave the corporate world and later teaching to create my business.

The concept of my business is, incorporating my favorite dishes from around the world into an empanada. Reason why they’re named by cities, countries, and famous people.

I just came up with a Texan empanada named “Willie Nelson”, (brisket and smoked Gouda).

We have over 25 plus flavors.

Theresa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a native New Yorker who’s been living in Austin, TX close to 18 yrs. I worked in the Travel Industry for 17 yrs and later became a teacher. Spent 11 yrs with five year olds. A bit hectic but so fulfilling. I hit my early 50’s and at 53 became a small business owner.. Something I had been contemplating for a long time. My mom, who is from the Caribbean, Dominican Republic. My father was from Cuba, although I was raised by my stepdad, truly my dad, is also from the Dominican Republic. He taught me how to cook as a teen many amazing dishes of our culture. Empanadas are a staple in the D.R., during the holidays, parties, etc.. It is an amazing finger food that mostly everyone enjoys. So I came up with the concept of incorporating my favorite dishes from around the world. Places visited, people I met along the way and just by attending multicultural events. Hence the name of my business, “The Traveling Empanada”. All my empanadas (25+ flavors) and still creating, are named by countries, cities or people of the origin the fillings made.

The decision of starting a business has been quite the experience. It’s exciting, exhausting, fulfilling to say the least. The compensation for the long hours has its rewards. When a costumer expresses their delight and claiming eating the most delicious pocket full of happiness. What more can I ask for?

I’ve had a lot of support from my family especially my kids who have stood behind me believing in my dream. Also my cousin Gina who bought me my first 100 boxes and labels for my deliveries. It was so exciting to see my business name on a box..

My goal is to hopefully one day own my small shop along with my daughter who by the way has joined me on this journey. She’s become my partner and is the face of our desserts. You will find us both at markets, breweries, distilleries to name a few, and we are founders along with two other ladies of an artisan market. Thankfully very busy and so grateful to God for this gift..

To those who struggle to keep your business, don’t give up! If you believe in it, keep pushing and give back. Give to those less fortunate, to your community.

Thank you

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Although I am a private person I have to share that my journey has not been easy. To start a business and have a 27 yr marriage end all at the same time takes a lot of determination. Set aside emotions to follow your goal. My kids have been my strength and their encouragement and admiration has given me the strength needed to push forward. I want to be an inspiration to them and to others who think they can’t. I’m still pushing, still working hard, asI haven’t reached where I want to be.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The exposure at all markets and events

Contact Info:

• Website: www.TheTravelingEmpanadaATX.com
• Instagram: @thetravelingempanada.atx
• Facebook: @TheTravelingEmpanadaATX