Cristina Leon is called the Tamale Mama and has become a well-known figure in her California community. However, her path to success wasn’t easy. She arrived in the United States without possessions, family, or friends.
Cristina made ends meet through various jobs, including cleaning homes and working in a meat-packing plant. When her doctor advised her that this type of work could lead to health problems, her son, Ruben Angel Vasqeuz, stepped in to help. He and his mom started selling tamales out of their car at the Freson State Fair. When that proved a hit, they began selling them in their driveway.
Through the power of social media, the Tamale Mama’s reputation grew, and eventually, she was able to open a restaurant.
“I just love to cook. I enjoy to cook. I put a passion to cook,” says Cristina. “And the people ask me, because when I have people that are eating, I’m going to the tables, ‘How’s it going? How is it?’ And they say, ‘Oh, that’s good. How do you do this?’ They say, ‘How do you make this so good?’ I say, “Because I made it with love.”
Watch the video below to see the Tamale Mama in action.
The business was so successful that Cristina and her son were even able to celebrate Dia de las Madres with an amazing trip home to surprise her mother and extended family.
“I wasn’t there for 16 years because of money. I didn’t have money. I have struggles financial,” she says. “I surprised her. That’s amazing. That’s very good.”
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