Today we’d like to introduce you to Rey Diaz Del Valle.
Hi Rey, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Rey Diaz Del Valle, I’m currently 24 years old and I am from Guaynabo PR. I came to Florida in July of 2011, and ever since I can remember the kitchen and food have always been a passion of mine. As a kid, my dream career was to become a chef, and although I did not attend school to fulfill that dream, in a way I can be creative with the menu I offer my customers and make it my own. Getting to where I am has not been easy but it’s been definitely worth it. Over the past 2 years since Covid started, I tried making my own business and always encountered bumps on the road that kept setting back my plans to start my own business. Until one day it just happened, God had a purpose in my life, my obedience to his calling was necessary to continue walking my path. After restoring my steps and following his purpose my business bloomed overnight and it’s where I am today. I currently own a Hotdog and Hamburger cart which my wife Destinie Rivera and I named “Akimana’s Food”. The reason behind the name comes from two Spanish word “Aqui – Here” and “Mana – Food from Heaven” which we decided to combine as the name was given to us through the ordinance of prayer. Our future plans are to keep the cart where everything started and expand to a food truck and possibly one day open up a restaurant that we can call our own.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
We can it has not been an easy road, from the pandemic to my wife losing her job, to bringing our second child to the world was almost impossible to make it happen. Juggling two kids a full-time job and all the household expenses was very difficult. However, we managed to keep afloat throughout these past two hard years. But I can proudly say Jesus has always provided in the times of needs and our family has grown stronger every day regardless of all the hardship and setbacks throughout the years.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My wife and I come from the medical insurance industry. We both have our full-time jobs which we do during the week. She is an office manager for an insurance agency called (Quantum Insurance Advisors) and I work as a Community Outreach Coordinator for a clinic called (Neighbor MD). During our spare time on the weekends, we dedicate the time to our business. What I’m most proud of is our teamwork and how we make everything work, regardless of the situation we always have each other’s back and we keep our business running smoothly.
Contact Info:
- Email: akimanasfood1418@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akimanasfoodllc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AkimanasfoodLLC
Image Credits
Lilibeth M. Escalera
