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Life & Work with Nancy Diaz of Downtown Avalon Park

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nancy Diaz.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Nancy Diaz. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, and in 1994, I moved to Orlando, Florida, with my husband, whom I’ve been blessed to share life with for 32 years. Together, we raised three wonderful children, who now help us run our family businesses.

I graduated as a computer engineer and worked in the corporate world for several years. Although it was a stable path, deep down, I knew it wasn’t my true calling. I always had an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to create something meaningful that would make a difference in people’s lives.

In 2015, I had the opportunity to acquire The Therapy Place, a pediatric therapy center. It has been a true blessing to work with children and families in Central Florida, providing services that support their growth, development, and quality of life. At The Therapy Place, our mission is to empower children to reach their full potential.

But my dreams didn’t stop there. I always wanted to bring a little piece of Puerto Rico to Orlando – to share the flavors, warmth, and vibrant culture of the island I hold close to my heart. That dream became a reality when we opened Café Coquí, a café inspired by the rich traditions and flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine. At Café Coquí, our mission is to make every guest feel like family while experiencing authentic Puerto Rican flavors.

My children bring their own talents, creativity, and dedication to the businesses, making it truly a family legacy. I will always be grateful for my family, who have supported my dreams every step of the way.

In the future, we are planning to open a one-of-a-kind Therapy Place and a few other locations for Café Coquí, expanding our services and sharing our vision with even more families in Central Florida.

I believe God has a purpose for every step in my journey, and I strive to serve with love, grace, and excellence.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest obstacles and challenges right now is the economy and the constant, repeating changes we face. From rising costs and inflation to shifting regulations and unexpected market shifts, it requires us as business owners to adapt quickly and think creatively. It’s not always easy, but I believe these challenges build resilience, strengthen our faith, and push us to grow in ways we never imagined.

How do you define success?
For me, success is not just about achievements or titles. I define success as having the ability to stay focused even during the hardest times, to find peace and joy no matter the circumstances, and to celebrate life’s moments with family and friends. Success is being grateful for everything I have and every experience along the way, and continuing to move forward with faith, purpose, and love in my heart.

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