Meet Juan Jurkauskas

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

Hi Juan, career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
After being laid off during the pandemic, I realized that I needed to build something for myself. Something that I can grow or help me grow.

I was already making Empanadas at a church in Ada Oklahoma, but when I relocated to texas for another Job, I started to work on something for myself. This is why I started Mijas.

My budget was what I made off of from selling my house. So far, I’ve used most of it. It hasn’t been cheap. Even before selling 1 empanada, I found myself digging deeper into my savings to buy things I needed and things that have broken due to unforeseen circumstances. for example, my food trailer was not winterized, so my water pump cracked when it froze.

Risk has been a huge factor. Im a full time parent, I have a full time job, and 1 other side hustles (a drone business). I had to put enough focus on the food business for it to be successful.

I’m from Medellin Colombia. We have a saying in our country. “Emanadas is what is sold the most” (it makes sense in spanish, I promise.

but when thinking of ideas on what to do or sell or what business to start, Empanadas were the first things that came to mind. Also, living in texas you get a lot of BBQ, tex mex, and tacos. very few places sell Colombian empanadas or colombian flavored food. I want to bring these flavors to all of Texas.

Not quitting, believing in myself and the flavors I bring to Texas

Honesty, Great customer service.

It’s change quite a bit since being laid off. At work, every day I give my 100%, but without making sure that I do the same for my business. It’s 200% with my business. I will be my own boss soon.

My end goal is to have my products in every shelf of every supermarket in the Nation. This is more than just a food truck, I have a long term vision and lots of ideas and I am ready to share with the world. Starting with Texas.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I work for South West Airlines. They have been a great employer. I am the best at what I do in my profession. I am a release train engineer. I still have a lot to learn, but my energy, my willingness to learn, my attention to detail is unmatched.

At southwest, i’ve been mentored by my boss. It’s been over 10 years since I’ve really been mentored by someone who cares. I love working for him because it shows that he cares and always willing to teach me how to get better.

The biggest lesson in life I’ve learned, it that i need to work more on myself than I do working for others.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
very new to the area, still learning about Fort worth, but so far. Grapevine mills. that where I watch my son play basketball.

Website: www.mija-foods.com

Instagram: mijafoods

Facebook: mijafoods

Youtube: jurkauskas