Today we’d like to introduce you to Mona Ramirez.
Hi Mona, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have always loved bringing comfort via cooking and baking. As a DACAmented, Latinx vegan, food has always been a way in which I see the world and community building. Food and dishes have the ability to tell stories, save memories, convey solidarity and bring joy. I started Mona Fresa to create food that really feeds el alma by using ethical ingredients in my family’s Mexican recipes. We aim to use 100% human and animal cruelty-free ingredients. Convivir means living together, and that is what I hope our food emphasizes when we share a meal together. ¡Vamos a convivir!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
COVID definitely has been a struggle and put a stop to our plans of opening a food truck. I am learning to turn these obstacles into opportunities and taking this time to continue testing recipes and feeding family and friends as well as private catering.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Mona Fresa we know that without intersectionality, veganism isn’t ethical. The products we use are specifically chosen to provide you with truly ethical food. We aim to use all organic, non-gmo products.
We aim to use products from farms/ companies that are not only animal cruelty-free but human cruelty-free. We make comfort Mexican food like empanadas, gorditas, and tamales. We also are working to have variety of salsas, spices and mixes to share the cooking experience. We also have treats like brownies, pan dulce, cookies, and cupcakes.
I have two that really brings my heart joy: chocolate chip sea salt cookies and tamales.
We have different kinds of tamales, but I am most proud of my flor de jamaica tamales. Delicious chile rojo or salsa verde tamales are always a great meal and are made with joy as they are made the way my Totonacan grandmother taught me.
Our chocolate chip sea salt cookies are giant, oozing with dark and semi-sweet chocolate sprinkled with sea salt. (They were created for someone who claimed they hated chocolate)
Find us in community markets around town, get private catering or sign up for one of our upcoming virtual salsa-making classes!
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Revolution Playlist by Rachel Cargle
Contact Info:
- Email: monafresa.atx@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.monafresa.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mona.fresa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monafresa.llc/
Image Credits:
Tatiana I
