Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Michaela Merrick.
🎙️ Interview Summary: Michaela Merrick on Money Making Conversations Masterclass 🎯 Purpose of the Interview
To spotlight Michaela Merrick, founder of Pretty Little Tacos, and her entrepreneurial journey from launching a food truck during the COVID-19 pandemic to building a thriving Creole-Mexican taco brand in Atlanta. The interview aims to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs by showcasing resilience, creativity, and family support.
🗝️ Key Takeaways 1. Origin of Pretty Little Tacos
- Inspired by a short-lived cooking show called Pretty Little Cooks.
- Launched in May 2020 during the height of the pandemic.
- Offers unique taco varieties including vegan options and dessert tacos like peach cobbler and strawberry shortcake.
2. Entrepreneurial Spirit
- Michaela did not attend culinary school but learned through experience and family influence.
- Her mother encouraged her to pursue the food truck idea, even waking her up to go buy one.
- Her father and brother are chefs, and her daughter is her biggest fan and motivator.
3. Challenges Faced
- Started with little to no money and reinvested daily.
- Faced licensing and permitting issues due to government shutdowns.
- Was misled by commissary kitchens lacking proper permits, resulting in financial loss.
- Her first food truck was stolen, but she bounced back with a new one.
4. Growth and Expansion
- Operates three locations in Atlanta: Colony Square, Union City (inside a gas station), and Moreland Avenue.
- Plans to expand into more gas stations and possibly mass production while maintaining quality and authenticity.
5. Business Philosophy
- Focuses on customer experience and generous portions.
- Requires all staff to sign NDAs to protect recipes and business integrity.
- Encourages staff to learn and grow, even if they aspire to start their own businesses.
💬 Notable Quotes
- “I didn’t really have a choice… it was survival.” – On launching her business during the pandemic.
- “You have to be resilient. You can’t give up.” – On overcoming obstacles.
- “My daughter is my biggest fan… I want her to understand she can do anything.” – On her motivation.
- “I thrive off competition… I level up every time.” – On the competitive food truck industry.
- “Business supersedes relationships… protect yourself always.” – On the importance of NDAs and business integrity.
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