Meet Maria Gonzalez | Arizona Medical Provider & Bartender

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

Hi Maria, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
In Fall of 2019, I had an idea of creating my own mobile bartending service. I didn’t have a business plan, structure or funding. I never thought about what will I loose to gain rather how will I get to my success. This is what I really want, I’m going to be my own boss. My business helps out the Undocumented Community with supporting our youth. With every booking, drink and event that I serve, as Barra Maria, I am funding scholarships for Undocumented Students, Mothers, Fathers. As a DACA recipient it is my honor to be an Undocu-Business owner because this only shows to our community that without fear, we will succeed regardless of our statuses. We are here to motivate, empower, educate and continue pushing our Dreams. Thank You Mom and Dad for allowing me the opportunity to build my own.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My name is Maria Gonzalez. After graduating High School I decided that I wanted to pursue an education in Nursing. As being undocumented, there was a lot of obstacles that I was facing. I couldn’t qualify for FASFA, Instate Tuition and I wasn’t going to be able to get my state License. At this time around in my life, Bartending and Serving was helping me pay for my education. I was working long hours and getting paid ‘under the table’. After DACA being introduced and gaining more rights with DACA my dreams of becoming Licensed in the Healthcare industry. DACA isn’t promised and it can be revoked at anytime. I decided to establish Barra Maria because thats my entity, my business, my creation. Barra Maria is an UndocuOwned Business in the State of Arizona, I am very proud of my achievements. Si se Puede!

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?
The State of Arizona has very delicious places to go and get your grub on! Some of my favorite places to eat include Fuego at The Clarendon, I love their Empanadas served with a drizzle of their housemade Yucatan Salsa! Angry Crab for their delicious boils! All that buttery garlicy and spiciness you can get! Da Vang in Central Phoenix is one of my favorite spots because of its authentic Pho, Spring Rolls, and house specialties! Tres Leches Cafe instead of Starbucks to get an Agua Sucia or a Cafe Horchata. Unos Tacos y Birria in West Maryvale area is also a delicious place to enjoy a quesabirria with consome (broth) and a Mexican Coke! I’d make the drive out to Rock Spring Cafe just to get some Pies, Craft beers and a Chicken Fried Steak. Merc Bar, 36 Below and The White Rabbit are some of my favorite bars to go to! Overall the state of Arizona offers us unique, tasty and Authentic places to choose from!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In the process of deciding that I wanted to start my own business I found myself in a position where I wasn’t sure if I’d be capable of moving forward with my projections. I’d like to Thank my parent’s who have done a lot for me. Their advice, encouragement and opportunity to a better life allows me to conquer and deliver! Gracias Mama y Papa! Undocumented, Unashamed, Powerful & Determined!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barramariallc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barramariaAZ/

Other: You can find me on Thumbtack & on TikTok: @barramaria !