Meet Andrea Adrian

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

Andrea, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I discovered my purpose by paying attention to the things that brought me energy, curiosity, and a sense of responsibility. It didn’t happen all at once. It started with small moments—helping people, creating things with my own hands, and noticing how good it felt to solve problems for others. Over time, I realized those moments weren’t just hobbies; they were signs pointing me toward something bigger.

Starting a business became the path where all those pieces finally came together. I wanted to build something meaningful, something that reflected my values and allowed me to serve my community in a real way. The more I learned, the more confident I became that entrepreneurship wasn’t just a career choice—it was a way for me to turn my ideas into action.

My purpose grew from recognizing a need, believing I could fill it, and having the courage to take the first step. Creating a business allowed me to shape my own future, overcome challenges, and prove to myself that I was capable of more than I imagined. That journey—full of effort, mistakes, growth, and victories—is what helped me truly understand why I’m doing this. My purpose is not just to run a business, but to build something that inspires others and makes a positive impact wherever I can.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

At De Horno Pizzeria Y Cocina Mexicana, we do more than serve food—we create a fusion experience that brings two powerful cultures together. What we do is rooted in tradition but delivered with bold creativity. We blend the comfort of Italian dishes with the authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine, and our goal is to give people something they can’t find anywhere else in our area.

What excites me the most is watching people experience our fusion for the first time. Seeing a customer’s face light up when they try a birria pizza, a pasta with a Mexican twist, or when they realize our margaritas are actually wine-aritas—that’s what makes our work special. It’s not just about feeding people; it’s about surprising them, connecting with them, and making them feel like family from the moment they walk in.

What truly sets De Horno apart is the heart behind it. Every recipe, every detail of our space, every weekend special, and every event comes from a place of culture, pride, and community. We are a family-run business, and we carry our heritage into everything we make. Our customers feel that warmth, and that’s what makes De Horno more than a restaurant—it’s a place where people feel safe, welcomed, and appreciated.

We also have exciting things coming up. We’re working on new seasonal dishes, expanding our Mexican–Italian fusion menu, and planning community events to bring people together in a meaningful way. And as we continue to grow in Stockbridge, we’re focused on creating an atmosphere that keeps evolving—modern, vibrant, and full of flavor.

At the end of the day, De Horno is built on passion, culture, and the belief that food should tell a story. We want people to know that everything we do is intentional—from the way we craft our dishes to the way we care for our customers. De Horno isn’t just a restaurant; it’s our home, and we’re honored to share it with our community.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Resilience
Building anything from the ground up comes with challenges—financial setbacks, long hours, mistakes, and moments of doubt. Resilience is what kept me moving forward. It taught me to treat every problem as a lesson instead of a failure.
Advice: If you’re starting your journey, focus on building mental strength. Accept that obstacles are part of the process. Don’t take setbacks personally—adapt, adjust, and keep going. Consistency will take you further than perfection ever will.

2. Creativity
Creativity helped me see possibilities where others might see limits. It guided my branding, my menu ideas, my customer experience, and even the feeling I wanted people to have when they walked into our space. Creativity is what allowed me to stand out.
Advice: Practice creativity like a muscle. Try new things, study what inspires you, and don’t be afraid to break the mold. The best ideas often come from mixing your culture, your passions, and your personality into your work.

3. Willingness to Learn
I didn’t start with all the answers—but I stayed teachable. I learned from mentors, from trial and error, from customers, and from my own mistakes. Being open to learning allowed me to grow faster and avoid staying stuck.
Advice: Stay curious. Ask questions. Seek guidance. Watch, listen, and study people who have done what you’re trying to do. The more knowledge you gather, the more confident and capable you become.

Final Reminder:
Your journey doesn’t start with perfection—it starts with one step. Develop your toughness, trust your creativity, and never stop learning. Those three things will carry you further than you can imagine.

If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?

If I only had ten years left to live, I would spend them with intention. I wouldn’t wait for “the right time” or let fear slow me down. I would focus on the people, experiences, and dreams that matter most.

I would pour my time into the people I love—my family, my closest friends, and the community that has supported me. I’d want every conversation to be meaningful, every moment to feel real, and every memory to be something they could hold onto long after I’m gone.

I’d also chase every dream I’ve ever put on hold. I would travel, create, build, try new things, and finally check off all the goals I kept telling myself I’d “get to someday.” I would make my life as full, honest, and expressive as possible—leaving nothing unsaid and nothing unfinished.

Most importantly, I would live courageously. I would take risks, follow my heart, and choose happiness even when it’s difficult. I’d spend the next decade creating a life that reflects who I truly am: loving deeply, giving generously, growing constantly, and appreciating every sunrise like it’s a gift.

In ten years, I’d want to be remembered not for what I owned, but for how I made people feel—supported, inspired, and valued.

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