Meet Maria Rangel | Creator of Maiz

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

Hi Maria, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I had been in the medical field for over eight years and was starting to loose the passion. Felt kinda lost with what my life’s mission was. I always wanted to start my own business but didn’t know what it would be. I took my love for gorditas and ran with it.

What should our readers know about your business?
I created Maiz out of passion of cooking comfort foods and bringing people together. My connection with cooking started out as a little girl. My most fondest memories were in the kitchen. Either helping with the cooking, washing dishes, dancing, laughing or listening to stories about my family. Growing up I was always greeted with amazing smells coming from the kitchen and it was the most comforting and loving feeling.

This food truck journey has really been both beautiful and challenging. Challenging because I went from the back of an ambulance to the back of an old steep van with cooking equipment. I really had no idea about running a kitchen. I had no idea about running a business. Thank goodness for community resources like Mi Casa resource center that helped me bring it all together.
I also had some bumps in the road with the scam artist who fabricated my truck. I had to fight to get the title/ownership of my truck. And to top it all off Covid also hit just as I was about to open.

But after it was all said and done. After crying on the floor of my little kitchen a few times or more, after all the aches and pains. I look back and see that I not only created something. But I have been able to connect with my mother and build a relationship with her. I have learned more about my grandparents than I ever knew. I have connected with my roots and ancestors. I have learned so much about myself as a person, mother, wife and daughter.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would start by having some food and drinks at Los dos portillos. Check out some live music at Ophelias soap box, herbs hideout or Skylark. Gotta find a cool art show going on or check out some murals. Go on a hike maybe near boulder or somewhere near. End the week at a hot spring, possibly Mt. Princeton or a quick relax session closer to the city at Indian hot springs.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout would have to be my entire family, through and through. I couldn’t have done this without them. They have lifted me up when I didn’t believe in myself or have come to help prep, work the window or anything I have needed. Without their support Maiz would not be what it is.

Website: Maizdenver.com

Instagram: @maizdenver

Facebook: Maiz

Image Credits
R.D. Lucero Photography