Ciao a tutti,

I grew up in the small village of Chamita, north of the beautiful Española Valley. Growing up in a large-loving family, I’m one of five, and my mother is one of ten; hospitality was ingrained in me at a very young age. Both of my grandfathers had vegetable gardens and livestock, while both of my grandmothers were masters of the kitchen. It always seemed like there was a never-ending pile of fresh tortillas with beans and chile on the stove. Living off of the land sustained our celebrations and our heartaches. Between grandparents, parents, tios, and tias, I was always taught that being hospitable to family and strangers alike is the kindest form of love. These humble beginnings thread the fabric of who I am today.

As a child, I gravitated to old films like Casablanca and jazz singers like Billie Holiday. I often dreamt of hanging out in old cafés while living my life as Hemingway did in The Sun Also Rises. I was fortunate to study abroad in Sevilla, Spain, while in undergraduate school. This is when I fell in love with the magic of popping a cork and celebrating life just because it’s a Tuesday, as Hemingway did.

Since then, I’ve been constantly mesmerized by this industry's vast diversity and romance. The vulnerability intertwined with the constantly changing landscape challenges me daily to be a student of these agricultural splendors. My commitment to showing up, learning from my peers, and gracefully changing alongside this magnificent industry is my greatest honor.

I have been blessed to split my career between my home state, New Mexico, and California. I have been called a Bartender and a Sommelier, but most importantly, a friend. And that’s what Muse is made of. It’s built on the love and support of family, friends, colleagues, and for the love of hospitality. Muse is “happiness that doesn’t have a hangover.”

Cheers,