Friday, March 8, is International Women’s Day. Throughout history, women have fought against stereotypes and discrimination. They’ve paved the way for generations of girls and women to thrive in a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive world. There’s still work to be done, though. According to Zippia.com, in 2021, men made up a staggering 71.4% of culinary artists, with only 28.6% women. Not to mention the gender culinary pay gap in which women make 85 cents to every dollar a man makes. Here’s to all the women culinary professionals fighting for equality in the kitchen. We see you, we appreciate you, we support you. Your food is as amazing as you are.
Today and every day, we celebrate the women in our lives for being a balance of soft and strong that would otherwise be missing in the world. The ones who are creative forces and savvy businesswomen. The homemakers and CEO’s. The STEM geniuses and makeup girlies.
At Good Food Polk, we want to celebrate women in the culinary industry. Our county is teaming up with women-owned and operated food businesses. From Born & Bread to Bandidas, SoCe Market to Vegan Monarch Bakery, delicious options across all culinary genres are prepared by innovative babes filling bellies and pushing the foodie boundaries. Be sure to support and cheer on our local lady entrepreneurs. Buy their food, tell them how amazing they are, and spread the word.
One culinary powerhouse we’d like to spotlight is Morena Mazorra, owner of Morenas Restaurant.
GFP: Tell us a bit about your business.
MM: The warm, welcoming ambiance makes every visit feel like a homecoming, with my staff and I treating all our guests like part of the family. My vibrant eatery is my way of bringing the rich flavors and warmth of my husband’s and my heritage to Central Florida. My passion for cooking is evident in every dish that comes out of the kitchen, each infused with my special touch. Morena’s Restaurant aims to be a gathering place for families and friends, offering a cozy atmosphere where guests can enjoy delicious meals at any time of the day. Whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast to kickstart your day, a refreshing lunch to beat the midday slump, or a flavorful dinner to wrap up your evening, at Morena’s we have something special waiting for you.
GFP: What has been your experience as a woman in the culinary industry?
MM: I strive to be the best. I embrace being a feminine woman, but I will not limit myself or let what can be a tough industry limit me just because I am a woman, a wife, or a mother. I have a drive to create a legacy and I will not accept the challenges that come with entrepreneurship to dim my spirit and passion in the culinary industry.
GFP: What specific strengths do you feel women bring to the table?
MM: A lot of women have a nurturing spirit. We naturally want to care for people. I think women not only bring a lot to the table (pun intended lol) but we are the best at multitasking. Our attention to detail is amazing. Most of us are also empathetically intuned, which helps with reading and responding to others, improving team dynamics, and customer service.
GFP: Do you have any advice for other women in business?
MM: As a woman who has navigated the journey of owning a small business, my foremost piece of advice to other women entrepreneurs is to embrace resilience and adaptability. The path of entrepreneurship is inherently filled with challenges and uncertainties, but it’s your resilience that will see you through the toughest times. Remember, every setback is a setup for a comeback, and adaptability allows you to navigate changing landscapes with grace and strength. In essence, the journey of a woman entrepreneur is both challenging and rewarding. It’s a path of constant learning, growth, and resilience. Celebrate your successes, learn from your failures, and remember that your unique perspective as a woman is a strength that can inspire innovation and drive success. Here’s to your journey! May it be bold, empowering, and profoundly rewarding.
GFP: Where can we find you online?
MM: Find me on Instagram and Facebook @MorenasCakesAndMore. And if you’ve already tasted any of my delicious dishes, don’t be shy and leave me a Google review!
586 Avenue C SE, Winter Haven