We were lucky to catch up with Michelle Garcia recently and have shared our conversation below.
Michelle , first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome first crept into my journey with Milov Coquito when the idea of turning my personal recipe into a business became real. I vividly remember standing in my kitchen, staring at rows of bottles filled with my vegan coquito, wondering if anyone beyond my family would truly care.
I thought, Who am I to sell this? I wasn’t a trained chef or an expert in beverage production—just someone who had a passion for the drink I loved. For a long time, I found myself following the lead of others—people I thought were smarter, more experienced, or better equipped. But over time, I realized that constantly comparing myself to others was holding me back from fully believing in my own ideas.
Milov Coquito was born out of necessity—because I had felt excluded from holiday celebrations due to my lactose intolerance. I wasn’t just selling a product; I was creating something deeply personal and meaningful. And that mattered.
The turning point came at a small family gathering. I brought a few bottles of coquito and quietly left them on the table. I didn’t expect much, but to my surprise, people kept coming back for more. It was the validation I didn’t know I needed.
From that moment on, I leaned into the mission of inclusivity. I started to trust that my vision and creativity had value. I realized that our dreams are previews of a reality yet to unfold—and that was enough fuel to step out of the imposter syndrome box. Once I began to love myself and embrace my unique journey, the doubts started to lose their power.
It wasn’t always easy. I still faced moments of hesitation—especially during the first big pop-up event. But each time a customer smiled and thanked me for making a product they could finally enjoy, I saw the reflection of someone who believed in herself a little more.
I’ve learned that overcoming imposter syndrome isn’t about silencing the doubts completely. It’s about believing that my ideas are just as valuable as anyone else’s and letting that self-love speak louder than the fear. Milov Coquito exists today because I finally trusted that even the simplest ideas, born from personal experiences, can inspire and bring joy to others.
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?
Milov Coquito is more than just a beverage – it’s a celebration in every sip. As the founder and CEO, I’ve taken a beloved holiday tradition and reimagined it in a way that brings people together, regardless of dietary restrictions. Milov Coquito is a vegan, dairy-free twist on the classic Puerto Rican coquito, made with plant-based ingredients and lots of love.
What excites me most about Milov Coquito is the way it fosters inclusivity. So many people with lactose intolerance or dietary preferences often feel left out during the holidays when traditional foods and drinks are served. I know that feeling firsthand, which is why creating a coquito that everyone can enjoy became my mission.
What makes Milov Coquito special is the sense of nostalgia it carries. Each flavor – from the classic to Guava, Passion Fruit, and even the seasonal Pumpkin Spice – captures the warmth and joy of the holidays. When people take a sip, it’s more than just a drink; it’s a memory, a tradition, and a reminder of home.
Milov Coquito is also a conversation starter – a way to introduce the idea of healthier alternatives to our communities. These conversations can be difficult, especially with loved ones who hold tightly to traditional dishes. I hope that Milov Coquito can break the ice and show that just because something is plant-based or made with alternatives doesn’t mean it’s tasteless or less appealing. In fact, I dare to say it can open the door to new traditions that enhance the old ones.
As I look ahead, I’m excited about continuing to grow Milov Coquito and share it with even more people. Our pre-sale will launch in September 2025, and I can’t wait to offer our signature flavors for the holiday season. Milov Coquito isn’t just a product; it’s part of who I am. This business was born from a place of love, family, and a desire to share tradition in an inclusive way. Whether you’ve never tried coquito before or you grew up drinking it every holiday season, there’s a place at the table for everyone – and I look forward to sharing that experience with more people.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I can confidently say that resilience, creativity, and self-belief were the driving forces behind my journey with Milov Coquito. There were countless moments when doubt crept in – times when things didn’t unfold the way I envisioned, or when the path felt unclear. Resilience kept me grounded and moving forward, even when uncertainty lingered. I learned to see every setback as an opportunity to adapt and grow, knowing that challenges were just stepping stones, not roadblocks.
Creativity shaped the very essence of Milov Coquito. Reimagining a traditional drink in a plant-based form required stepping outside the box and trusting my instincts. I spent hours experimenting in the kitchen, driven by the desire to craft something that honored the familiar while introducing exciting new flavors. Each time I faced the question of whether people would embrace a vegan coquito, creativity allowed me to craft a story and experience that was about more than just the drink – it was about inclusion and joy.
But perhaps the most transformative part of the journey was learning to believe in myself. For so long, I looked to others I thought were more experienced or knowledgeable, assuming they had the answers I lacked. It wasn’t until I started trusting my own vision that things truly began to shift. The moment I recognized that my ideas and my voice held value, imposter syndrome began to lose its grip. There’s power in realizing that no one else can bring your vision to life in the same way you can.
For anyone early in their journey, I’d say this – setbacks will happen, but they don’t define you. Keep creating, keep experimenting, and don’t let fear of imperfection hold you back. Trust that the passion and ideas you have today are more than enough to build something incredible. Each step, no matter how small, is progress – and with time, you’ll look back and see just how far you’ve come.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Yes, I’m definitely interested in collaborating with individuals or businesses who can help take Milov Coquito to the next level – specifically getting the product onto shelves without compromising the integrity of the recipe. I’m looking for partners who share a passion for quality, inclusivity, and creating healthier alternatives without sacrificing flavor.
I’m especially interested in connecting with retailers, distributors, and plant-based food and beverage advocates who understand the value of small-batch, artisanal products. Collaborations with other local businesses or chefs who celebrate cultural traditions with a modern twist are also something I’m open to exploring.
If you’re reading this and feel aligned with Milov Coquito’s mission, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s connect and explore how we can bring this celebration in a bottle to even more communities. You can reach out via Instagram or email – I’m always open to new ideas and opportunities to grow Milov Coquito while staying true to its roots.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://milov-coquito.square.site
- Instagram: MilovCoquito
- Other: Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pv8VD6y7L978Aq9g8
Image Credits
Aunika Constantine, Ashanti Alston, Delorean Briggs
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