We had the good fortune of connecting with Gabriela Camargo-Shirley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gabriela, what do you want your legacy to be?
I want to be remembered as someone who was able to make a difference. I had a whole romantic description of everything I wanted to say but I’m ADHD and didn’t take my Gingko this morning, so I lost my train of thought haha. But basically one of the most important things for me is to contribute in making this world a better place for my children. I haven’t been able to conceive but I hope I can in the next 5-7 years so instead of thinking of not having kids as a sorrow, I see it as a chance to grow, learn and work nonstop to be able to give them everything they need and take time off to raise them.

I’ve come across so many challenges since I started my journey at 21 years old in Mexico, but all that struggle was nothing compared to what I’ve experienced since I moved into the US and became an immigrant. We definitely have to work harder and we have less benefits, access to grants, programs and we ”get used” to being discriminated. On top of that, the immigration system doesn’t make it easy for us but that’s another story I probably shouldn’t talk about.

My spouse is a US citizen and we live here, we pay taxes here and I run my businesses here. My life is here so my kids will be born in this country, they won’t have to go through what I had to and that’s a blessing. But they’re still not exempt of other things going on right now. I want to help my community to be better, safer, happier for when they come to the world.

I want to be an inspiration to other immigrants to show that we can succeed, that even when things seem hard and it feels pointless to keep pushing there’s still a reason to fight for. I’ve experienced first hand the desire of giving up because you feel alone but there’s light at the end of the tunnel if you hang in there. I want us to stop being considered a ”minority” and be treated as equals.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’m a workaholic and probably a bit ambitious so one business wasn’t enough for me. And even though my businesses are different styles they all share something in common which is my love and passion for good food. So scratch made food with a special twist that has become my signature.

I also focus in customer service rather than just food, I like to enhance our customers’ experience and the most important thing is using my businesses to support my community and connect with them. I like to be there and talk to my people, to see my returning customers and meeting new ones at an extent that some have become very good friends of mine. I develop a bond of appreciation towards them and that’s priceless.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Alright, so this is super fun. If I had someone coming over I’d be THRILLED because nobody comes to see me hahaha. Jokes aside, If someone’s coming to Denton, hanging out in The Square is a must. There are several places I like to go. From The Chestnut Tree for brunch to Beth Marie’s for some ice cream, there are very good restaurants and one of mine is not too far from there.

I think there are all sorts of things to do, but it depends on what exactly you are looking for. There’s an axe throwing place that is super fun but there’s also Steve’s Wine Bar for a more ”adult” experience. There’s a place called Painting with a Twist where you paint while you enjoy some wine and I haven’t been there but all my friends that have always talk great things about them.

There’s a nice hiking trail on the outsides of the city if you’re in the mood for some outdoor activities or the waterpark. But if you want to go shopping to a big mall, Denton might not be the place to do so, but there still are some nice locally-owned boutiques in the area that are worth visiting!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I cannot take 100% of the credit for my success. first of all, my family is my everything and they’re my biggest fans. I owe all of them a part of who I am today. My Dad has certainly been my mentor in my journey of entrepreneurship, business and life. But my siblings, my parents, grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles have been my support system all along.

There are a few teachers who I’m grateful for. Some underestimated me and that inspired me to overcome myself and prove them wrong, I dare to say I’ve achieved more than some, On the other side, I had teachers that believed in me and motivated me, when most teachers think you’re a lost cause, the 2 or 3 that keep rooting for you are gold.

My ex certainly played an important part as well, my husband of course, several friends and associates in Denton that have been supportive from day one.

The biggest credit is my little angels that are watching over from up above. They are the reason I’m still standing. I’ve partially felt what being a mother is like and that’s the main thing that keeps me going. I am building a legacy for the kids I’ll bring to this world someday and I’ll love more than anything. All I do is for them.

Instagram: Instagram.com/ChefGabrielaAssemblage

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriela-camargo-shirley-b72469254/

Facebook: Facebook.com/ChefGabrielaAssemblage

Image Credits
Brittanie Nicole Photography Texas Vision Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.