We were lucky to catch up with Ines Vagu recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ines, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome can definitely feel like a big lie holding you back. I hear you! Ten years ago, moving to the US as a Latina in the culinary world, I felt like that exact same unfit piece in a giant kitchen puzzle. Here were these seasoned chefs, towering over me, speaking English fluently – it was intimidating.
But, I took a step back. Instead of dwelling on what I lacked, I focused on what I brought to the table. Fresh out of culinary school, I had passion, new ideas, and a different perspective. My English was a work in progress, sure, but I could learn. I embraced my strengths, like my creativity and eagerness, and acknowledged the areas where I could grow.
It wasn’t easy. Stepping outside your comfort zone is key. Learning to be okay with feeling uncomfortable, even a little scared, was a big turning point. It meant I could focus on growth and keep pushing myself.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m Ines Vagu, a Guatemalan chef and nutritionist with a contagious passion for Latino food! Together with my co-owner, we started Momo’s, a food pop-up on a mission to share the nourishing flavors and rich culture of Latin America. What makes Momo’s special is that we go beyond just delicious food. We’re about sharing the full experience of Latino cuisine – the flavors, the traditions, and the connection to our heritage. We believe that nourishing food feeds not just our bodies but also our souls.
We don’t just serve food; we create experiences! We host community events that celebrate Latino food and culture. We also like to challenge the idea that healthy food can’t be fun and flavorful. Through Momo’s, we want to inspire people to embrace the health benefits of Latino traditions and to prioritize self-care. It’s okay to take a pause, listen to your body, and nourish yourself in every sense of the word.
We’re always looking for new ways to share our passion. In fact, we’re partnering with local small businesses to host events to showcase Latino-inspired food and self-care. It’s going to be a great way to connect with people and show the benefits of taking care of ourselves from the inside-out.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, there are three key skills that have been instrumental in my journey. The first is the ability to carefully assess risks. While I don’t let fear paralyze me, I take calculated steps and weigh potential challenges before taking on new projects. Second, my commitment to cultural authenticity has been core to Momo’s success. By staying true to my passion for Latino food and its health benefits, we offer a unique and delicious experience that resonates with our customers. Finally, I’ve developed a strong foundation in learning from mistakes. There have been bumps along the way at Momo’s, but each challenge has taught me valuable lessons that have helped me improve. For example, when a dish wasn’t well-received, I took feedback to heart and made adjustments to the recipe. Embracing a growth mindset is key.
For folks starting their entrepreneurial journey, my advice would be to find your niche and stay passionate. This passion will fuel your creativity and help you connect with your target audience. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, build relationships with people in your field, and learn from their experiences.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
From a young age, my mom – a force of nature and a business owner herself – immersed me in the realities of running a business. At 13, I was learning about managing monthly costs, ordering from suppliers, and even handling opening and closing duties. This hands-on experience instilled in me a sense of agency and empowered me to be independent.
My dad, also an entrepreneur, took a different yet equally impactful approach. He showered me with leadership books, self-improvement resources, and even took me to leadership seminars. He also offered a safe space to discuss doubts and insecurities about my entrepreneurial path. This guidance provided me with a crucial leadership foundation.
Together, my parents instilled in me the values of self-belief and perseverance. They taught me that anything is possible as long as I’m willing to put in the effort.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.diningatmomos.com
- Instagram: @inesvagu
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ines-vasquez-986a35194/
Image Credits
Family Picture by Melisande Mclaughlin
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