10/25/2023
Where’d U Go (i missed u so)
This year my hate for cooking was at an all time high. Like the mechanic with the messed up car, the barber without a haircut, I became the chef who couldn’t stand being in the kitchen.
Mikey’s was fun. I didn’t know I made such an impact. I just wanted someone not in my family to try this taco I created for my family. From one day to the next, I managed to get a brand new trailer built and with a prayer we were off.
I always wanted to learn about business. What better way than to crate my own and go through everything there is to learn. While there was a million and 1 things to learn, it was a fun time. There are so many moving parts, it’s like pushing a train. It’s possible, and once you learn you understand for the rest of your life. That’s the real reward. But 😮💨
The craziest thing about a successful business is the pile of s**t that comes with it. I had no clue people lived with envy. I had no clue people didn’t really wish you well. I had no clue people don’t want what you have, they just don’t want YOU to have it. I had no clue people closest to you would be the first ones to prove it to you. I thought all of that was just made up for a story or a song. I named my business Mikey’s but only my family called me that before 2019, to the world I was always Miguel. I had no clue you’re not supposed to let people know whose business it actually is. That seems insane.
But, so many people are ready to take your s**t. To take your spot. The same folks who was around celebrating you, were the same ones who could wait for the next drop to be the final drop. And the craziest thing is in the business of art, those are the people you’re initially creating things for. I didn’t have the slightest clue, but I lived it and at the very least I can now see it from a mile away. Which is also another one of those real rewards.
When I stopped having fun I knew it was time to step out the trailer. 2022 I was looking to create an entirely new experience for Mikey’s. I did try and expand into a new city, but that failed. That failure was the breakthrough I needed. God definitely had better plans, and although I had burned thru 5 figures for a shattered dream (ouch…mi corazón) I felt like a million pounds were instantly lifted off my shoulders when I signed my name on the paper that broke the lease. I can remember the feeling of relief so well, and that’s when I knew there was more for me in the world to seek.
Mikey’s was never about me, it was always about the joy it brought others. How could would it have been to have people try a seafood taco? In the taco capital of the world. Crazy right. But, we did it. You did it. My city did it.
I tried my best to be authentically me, so when my newest crazy venture happened I had the blueprint with the ability to apply it twice as fast. And even though Mikey’s happened extremely fast, I also made many mistakes along the way I was definitely the furthest away from perfect.
I’m sorry for leaving from one day to the next. I couldn’t do it anymore. I had put myself last, and I was suffering mentally emotionally and spiritually. Not sure how we end up being people pleasures as humans, from kids to adults. Even though it brought about the worst times of my life I’m glad I lived that.
After I closed I didn’t leave my room for about a month. All I wanted to do was not be awake. My cell phone had hundreds of messages and calls. I logged off my Mikey’s pages. I didn’t even update my Facebook. How rude.
As humans, sure, we don’t owe anyone any explanations, but, you all changed my life. Forever. Mikey’s was about family. About forgetting about bs when you ate. About sharing your love for food. It was always about you.
Mikey’s is nothing more than the legend you have created, loved, and shared. The Mikey’s menu will be back during the times of Lent in the Catholic community. (Around the same time my Muslim family celebrates Ramadan.) maybe here and there for a pop up or two. Maybe.
This summer I got to do cool stuff. Riding w my brother in law n learning the diesels game. Built cool stuff with my dad from the ground up. Learning to smoke meats, I’m just glad to be present and spend time with family. to learn what they do.
I wish you nothing but peace hopefully we’ll cross paths again soon :)
