In 2015 I began a multimedia project called Bodega Stories, born out of a photo essay I pitched to a magazine that unfortunately didn’t go anywhere. But then I thought: What if I were to create a space where I could publish the stories of customers who frequent my parents’ bodega? What other stories could I find? As a journalist and creative, it was the perfect passion project.
I’m the proud daughter of longtime bodegueros and grew up in this space listening to animated banter and stories of loss and sacrifice — and joy. I had an inkling that there were stories that I could help bring to light — of the diasporic communities in this corner of Tampa Bay.
You can read the stories at bodegastories.com. And in September 2026, my debut book, Bodega Stories, will be released from the University Press of Florida.
I’ll leave you with a lovely performance by Maria Colon, who I interviewed for Bodega Stories back in 2015.