We had the good fortune of connecting with Esperanza Garcia and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Esperanza, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Well, I was going through depression at the time and needed to find time every day to celebrate, so I discovered that every day is a new national holiday. So, every day I would make a post about it on Instagram to share with my community, and it was nice to see others enjoy these quirky and fun holidays with me. It has been a rewarding process along the journey with my community, who has helped encourage me to continue posting one day at a time.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a part-time content creator and a full-time college student as well. What sets me apart from others is my drive and determination. When I set my mind to something, I go above and beyond to make it happen, like my life depends on it. What I am most proud of is my page, @national_calendar365, which is reaching people and making them feel happy—this was my reason for starting the page in the first place. How I got to where I am professionally is by facing a lot of ‘no’s in life and working my way around them until I receive a ‘yes,’ never taking ‘no’ as a reason to stop chasing my dreams and aspirations. It was not an easy process, to say the least. What I want the world to know about my brand and my story is that where your life is currently at is just temporary, and we are the creators of our own happiness. We can create as much happiness as we want out of life.

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.
Day 1: Welcome to Garland & Local Eats
Breakfast: Rosalind Coffee – Start the trip with a solid cup of coffee and a pastry.
Morning: Spring Creek Forest Preserve – A relaxing nature walk to kick off the week.
Lunch: Intrinsic Smokehouse & Brewery – Amazing Texas BBQ and craft beer in downtown Garland.
Afternoon: Explore Downtown Garland Square – Check out cute local shops and street murals.
Dinner: Hana Hibachi & Sushi – A fun hibachi dinner experience to end the first day.
Evening: Drinks at Bankhead Brewing – Chill vibes, craft beers, and a rooftop patio.

Day 2: Dallas Day Trip – Arts & Culture
Breakfast: Oddfellows (Bishop Arts District, Dallas) – Great coffee and brunch.
Morning: Visit the Dallas Museum of Art & Nasher Sculpture Center.
Lunch: Pecan Lodge (Deep Ellum) – Some of the best BBQ in Texas!
Afternoon: Walk around Deep Ellum – street art, record shops, and local boutiques.
Dinner: Tei-An (Downtown Dallas) – Authentic Japanese soba noodles.
Evening: Catch live music at The Kessler Theater or a rooftop bar like Happiest Hour.

Day 3: Outdoor Adventure & Chill Vibes
Breakfast: Fera’s Italian Bakery – Grab a pastry and espresso.
Morning: Rowlett Creek Preserve – Go hiking or biking on scenic trails.
Lunch: Fish N Tails Oyster Bar – Fresh seafood and a laid-back vibe.
Afternoon: Hawaiian Falls Water Park (seasonal) or go kayaking at Lake Ray Hubbard.
Dinner: Primo’s MX Kitchen – Lakeside dining with margaritas.
Evening: Sunset views & live music at The Harbor Rockwall.

Day 4: Shopping & Entertainment
Breakfast: The Flying Saucer (Garland) – A beer-focused brunch.
Morning: Explore Firewheel Town Center – Shopping, movies, and relaxing.
Lunch: Pho Bang – Some of the best pho in town!
Afternoon: Strike + Reel – Bowling, movies, and arcade games.
Dinner: Texas Roadhouse (if you’re craving a classic steakhouse experience).
Evening: Karaoke or bar hopping in Addison Circle.

Day 5: Fort Worth Day Trip – Stockyards & History
Breakfast: Cafe Brazil (Richardson) – A Tex-Mex breakfast spot with great coffee.
Morning: Drive to Fort Worth Stockyards – Watch a cattle drive, explore cowboy culture.
Lunch: Joe T. Garcia’s – Legendary Tex-Mex spot with a famous patio.
Afternoon: Visit the Fort Worth Water Gardens & Sundance Square.
Dinner: Reata – Upscale Texas cuisine with rooftop views.
Evening: Catch live country music at Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky-tonk!

Day 6: Chill Day & Foodie Tour
Brunch: Whiskey Cake – Farm-to-table comfort food.
Morning: Relax at Breckinridge Park or hit up a spa day.
Lunch: Cattleack BBQ (only open Thu-Fri) – A must-try hidden gem.
Afternoon: Go thrifting at Dolly Python Vintage in Dallas.
Dinner: The Porch – Southern comfort food with a modern twist.
Evening: Comedy show at Dallas Comedy Club or cocktails at Midnight Rambler.

Breakfast: Norma’s Cafe – A classic diner with Texas-sized portions.
Morning: Visit Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden for scenic views.
Lunch: Lockhart Smokehouse (Plano) – One last BBQ fix before heading out.
Afternoon: Walk around Legacy West or relax at a coffee shop.
Dinner: Sixty Vines – Wine & small plates to close the trip in style.
Evening: Nightcap at The Statler Rooftop Bar – A beautiful final view of Dallas.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
If I had to shout out anyone in my life for my success, it would be my mom and Jesus. My mom was a single mom who worked hard for me and my siblings. Seeing the sacrifices she made for me made me want to always go above and beyond for her and make her proud, if I could. If I didn’t have the mom I have, I know I wouldn’t be the strong-willed woman that I am today. Jesus deserves the ultimate shout out—I don’t even know where to start. He has supported me a ton in life, and I appreciate all He does for me. I love Him for it every day.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/national_calendar365

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