Maria Bravo

Meet Maria Bravo with her brand “Maria and the Three Princesses.” The name of her brand represents Maria’s three daughters who come to support her at every Mercado.

She comments, “As a mother, it makes me proud to have my daughters near me when I am participating in the Mercado. I can give my daughters the idea that they need to work, but the most important thing is to inspire them to have their own business someday.”

Maria Bravo was one of the first people to participate in the Mercado pilot that was launched in October 2017. Since then she has participated in every Mercado. Maria prepares different Mexican foods including a variety of drinks or “aguas frescas” such as pineapple water and horchata water. Her most common dishes are tacos dorados y tostadas de pollo. These dishes stand out from other dishes at the Mercado because although they are easy to prepare, she adds her own unique flavor using a recipe that makes them very delicious.

Maria has seen Mercado grow in the numbers of vendors participating, the different activities and presentations for the community, and also the new opportunities available for Mercado vendors. She says,  “The Mercado now has a children’s theater.” She hopes it continues growing and gains a presence elsewhere.