Meet Azul Rivera | Abuelita’s Tiendita Co-Founder & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Azul Rivera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Azul, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Abuelita’s Tiendita came to life thanks to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Our co-founder and namesake, Abuelita, was worried about losing her housekeeping job during the pandemic. So she started a side hustle of selling face masks at an emerging outdoor market. The face masks were brought from Mexico, During that time Abuelita realized lots of artisans in Mexico were struggling due to the lack of tourism and they were unable to sell their handmade goods which helped support their livelihood. At this point Abuelita had already recruited a couple of family members including myself, Azul, to help her with her outdoor market stand. That’s when Abuelita and I came up with the idea of importing Artisan handmade goods so we could help the artisans stay in business during this tough time and also to share our Mexican culture through their folk art.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Abuelita’s Tiendita we are so proud to create connections between our Mexican culture and American culture. We love it when one of our products reminds a customer about a time they visited Mexico and they tell us about their adventures, the people they met and the beautiful scenery they experienced. This happens very often. There is so much division in this country that little interactions like this help remind us that we can indeed co-exist, share, and appreciate our differences in cultures. It is amazing to see that through our products we are creating connections that will hopefully help us understand one another a bit better and tear down barriers.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Colorado is full of so many beautiful spots so this one is kind of tough.

For food I would recommend going to La Plaza Colorado’s outdoor market on Chambers Rd and Colfax Ave in Aurora. It is where Abuelita’s Tiendita first started! It also has a big variety of food trucks that offer delicious food from all over Latin America.

If you’re looking for some good drinks I suggest going Park Burger in RiNo – they serve a great drink called Paloma in the Park. You can also try out the margaritas at Garage Sale Vintage in Larimer Square while you shop for some unique thrift finds.

After some drinks head over to Broadway street and check out a small club called Blue Ice for some fun Latin dancing. They play it all – cumbia, salsa, merengue, bachata, etc.

You’ll probably want some brunch the next day so the Stanley Market in Aurora is a great place with a variety of restaurant options to choose from. My favorite place there is the Denver Biscuit Company.

Lastly, make the drive up to Breckenridge for some b

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am very thankful for the support from all my family and friends. Everyone who has lent a hand, made a purchase or even just liked one of our online posts. Every little bit of support and encouragement means the world!

A special shoutout and huge thanks to my husband, Vladimir and my mom, Cristina who have given me their unwavering support even though they’ve had big health challenges. Vladimir went thought cancer last year and still took the time and energy to help me with whatever I needed to keep our small business going. I know I can count on him to have my back no matter what! My mom goes to dialysis three times a week, has a full time job and yet somehow has the energy to be a part of the business. She is truly my idol and I wish to be as hard working as her when I grow up! Lol

I would also like to shoutout Bonfire Event Co. We have had many new vending opportunities thanks to them, they always find ways to help and connect small businesses and it is a great pleasure to work with them. Their events feel like being around family!

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