Originally planning a sabbatical to improve her English, Katya’s trip took an entrepreneurial turn that extended her stay indefinitely. "I came here accidentally because I wanted to have a sabbatical year and improve my English... So instead of a sabbatical year, I’ve been here for 21 years," Katya shares. This unexpected shift in her journey sparked the beginning of her purpose in the UK’s culinary scene, demonstrating how embracing the unexpected can lead to defining one’s success.

Entrepreneurship and Breaking Glass Ceilings

Noticing a gap in the market for authentic Mexican cuisine, Katya opened the first genuine Mexican restaurant in London, breaking glass ceilings within the culinary industry. Her vision expanded into wholesale, supplying Mexican food to supermarkets, shops, food producers, and restaurants across the UK. "After a few months in the UK, I realized that there wasn’t a proper authentic Mexican restaurant in London. So that’s where the whole inspiration for the business started," she explains. This entrepreneurial leap solidified her place as a leading figure in the diaspora community’s culinary world.

Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience

Transitioning to a new country brought its own set of challenges, notably the language barrier. However, Katya turned this potential setback into a strategic advantage, highlighting the resilience needed to succeed. "I think anybody that comes from another country, unless you were born bilingual, it’s always a challenge... I found my accent, and the fact that I’m a foreigner, to be an advantage," she reflects. This perspective helped her overcome adversity and build resilience in a competitive business environment.

Katya’s ability to adapt quickly to market trends and cultural shifts has been crucial to her growth. She capitalized on the growing popularity of e-commerce, especially during the pandemic, demonstrating her forward-thinking approach as a sole entrepreneur. "I’ve always been quite good at saying, ‘Oh, there is money here.’ In 2009, when I opened Mixcloser, I saw that the future was in e-commerce, and I invested heavily in digital marketing. During the pandemic, that was proved to be the case," Katya states, showcasing her adaptability and thought leadership in identifying opportunities.

Katya’s journey is not just about business acumen; it’s also about cultural integration and adaptability. Her story underscores the importance of staying true to one’s roots while successfully navigating global markets. "It’s important and transcendental when you’re genuine… The reason why Lena is such a good storyteller is because she genuinely feels passionate about academia and education. And this is another thing that comes from your own security," Katya shares, emphasizing authenticity in both business and life.

Community, Mentorship, and Thought Leadership

Katya highlights the significance of community and mentorship in achieving success. She actively engages with her community and provides guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs, reflecting her commitment to thought leadership. "Same for me, put them in touch. We are there and available to whoever needs any kind of advice that we can give," she concludes humorously, inviting others to reach out and engage, while jokingly wondering, "Where is that glass of wine?"

Katya Torres De la Rocha’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to sharing her culture through cuisine have made her a key figure in the UK’s culinary industry. Her journey illustrates the profound impact of embracing one’s heritage while innovatively adapting to new environments, breaking through glass ceilings, and building resilience.

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