We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Victoria Tiso. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Victoria below.
Victoria, so great to have you with us today. There are so many topics we want to ask you about, but perhaps the one we can start with is burnout. How have you overcome or avoided burnout?
I don’t worry much about burning out because I stay connected to my purpose. Everything I do is rooted in where I came from and who I’m doing it for—my family, and the girl I used to be who once prayed for this life. There were days when having my own place, my own space to create and grow, felt so far away. Remembering that keeps me grateful and hungry at the same time. I don’t take these moments for granted, and I don’t forget the work it took to get here.
For me, staying motivated is about always moving forward. I never want to become complacent or comfortable enough to stop learning. Growth matters to me! Personally, creatively, and professionally. I want to keep sharpening my skills, expanding my knowledge, and challenging myself to be better than I was yesterday. That mindset fuels everything I do, from the way I show up each day to the way I approach my craft.
Creating amazing pizza isn’t just about food; it’s about connection. It’s about building relationships, earning trust, and giving people something they can feel good about. I want my work to inspire others, whether that’s through consistency, passion, or simply showing what’s possible when you believe in yourself and refuse to settle. I’m motivated by the idea of leaving something meaningful behind -strong relationships, real impact, and a legacy built on effort, heart, and continual growth.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As Tori T’s Pizzeria gets closer to turning two, I’ve been reflecting on where we started and where we’re headed. Closing the kitchen gave me the space to reset and refocus, and now I’m pouring that energy into introducing new styles of pizza. Change is exciting—and honestly a little scary—because it shifts the dynamic of everything you’ve built. But there’s real beauty in that growth.
I’m incredibly proud of our staff and the vision we share to make this small shop something truly special. Their passion, trust, and creativity make every step forward possible. The more we evolve, the more pizza we get to share with the world—and that’s always a good thing.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three qualities that truly matter in this business are patience, focus, and heart. You need all three working together if you want to survive the hard days—and eventually rise to the top. There will be moments when it feels like your back is against the wall, when things don’t go as planned, and when quitting feels easier than pushing forward. That’s when these qualities matter most.
To anyone just getting started: expect the unexpected. No matter how prepared you think you are, this industry will test you. Stay sharp with your critical-thinking skills, keep an open mind, and learn how to adapt on the fly. Flexibility isn’t a weakness—it’s how you keep moving forward when plans fall apart.
Just as important as the work itself are the people you surround yourself with. Find the ones who refill your cup, who remind you why you started, and who help make you whole again when the days get heavy. And never overlook the behind-the-scenes heroes—the plumbers, electricians, oven techs, and service workers who keep your doors open. Treat them well, tip them, and show genuine appreciation.
At the end of the day, skill will get you noticed, but kindness and heart will take you further than you expect. Being a good human goes a long way in this business, and it’s often what carries you through when talent alone isn’t enough.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents ever did for me was sacrifice their entire lives for me and my brother. From a young age, they taught us what sacrifice really looks like—and what it means to never give up or settle. Those lessons didn’t just shape who I am as a person; they built the foundation for how I run this pizzeria every single day.
I’ll never forget the days my mom went without a bedroom so that my brother and I could have one. The nights my dad worked late just to make sure we had access to the best education possible. The moments my mom did whatever she could to make Christmas feel special, even when times were tough. And the countless days and nights my dad tried to teach us math inside the pizzeria, because he wanted us to be better than him.
Neither of my parents went to college, but they believed deeply in education. They understood that in life, people can take things away from you—money, comfort, stability—but they can never take your education. That belief is something I carry into this business every day. Running a pizzeria isn’t just about making pizza; it’s about constantly learning, problem-solving, and growing through challenges.
When things get hard—and they do—I think about the sacrifices my parents made and the resilience they showed without complaint. That perspective keeps me grounded when my back is against the wall. It reminds me to stay patient, focused, and lead with heart.
This pizzeria is more than a shop to me. It’s a continuation of their sacrifice, their work ethic, and their belief in building something better. Every pizza that comes out of this place carries those lessons with it, and that’s something I’ll always be proud of.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://toritspizzeria.com
- Instagram: toritspizzeria
Image Credits
matt indiviglio
Andrew young
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
