Latino Trailblazers: Claire Risoli of Pocha LA on resilience

By Claire Risoli

Latino Trailblazers is a new series by COCINA, where we celebrate and amplify Latino voices all year long, giving the mic to groundbreaking names who are changing the world for the better. This timie, Claire Risoli, owner of Pocha LA, writes to her younger self.

Latino Trailblazers is a new series by COCINA, where we celebrate and amplify Latino voices all year long, giving the mic to groundbreaking names who are changing the world for the better. It’s a forum to celebrate the love of community, the wins of today and share the wisdom we’ve learned.

Claire Risoli is a restaurateur and the owner of modern Mexican family-dining restaurant Pocha Los Ángeles, that focuses in merging Mexican and American cultures.

Claire Risoli, part of Latino Trailblazers, as a small child. She's sitting in a couch, wearing a traditional hat and holding a guitar that looks just as big as her. Photo courtesy of Claire Risoli. — *Claire Risoli, part of Latino Trailblazers, as a young child. Photo courtesy of Claire Risoli.*

Dear Clarita,

As I sit down to write this letter to you, I’m filled with both nostalgia and reflection. The journey from where you are now to who I have become has been anything but linear. I want to share with you some insights, hard-earned wisdom, and encouragement to help you navigate the path ahead.

First and foremost, remember that it's okay not to have everything figured out

Know that it’s ok to put off college right after high school to pursue your creative dreams of being a professional recording artist. You know your dad wanted that for you. He wanted you to follow your heart. He learned this lesson as he passed away at only 53, still full of so much hope and dreams. School will always be there, and you have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go to the East Coast to record an album with your girl group, Girlstown, with your producer, Teddy Riley. Life has a way of unfolding in unexpected ways, and the pressure to have a clear roadmap can be overwhelming. You will reinvent yourself multiple times. From child actor to signed recording artist, to Latino marketing and advertising producer, to the top 1% in your network marketing company, Arbonne, to successful restaurant owner of Pocha Los Angeles, and beyond. It’s important to understand that the best plans are often those that evolve. Embrace uncertainty and be open to the myriad of possibilities that life presents. Sometimes the detours are what make the journey worthwhile.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of resilience

You will face challenges that seem insurmountable, and there will be times when you question your ability to overcome them. When you sign the lease to your first restaurant, Pocha LA, there will be a global pandemic, and the world will shut down just weeks later. You are going to experience some of the hardest years of your life. You will experience sleepless nights, crippling anxiety, and be on the verge of filing for bankruptcy. Even though you took a leap of faith in opening Pocha LA Modern Mexicana restaurant without any prior culinary or restaurant management experience, you WILL overcome. You WILL learn how to become a successful restaurateur. You will learn every aspect of running a restaurant, and you will be successful in spite of and because of all that you have been through. There will be other obstacles along your journey. Please know, Clarita, that Pocha LA is bigger than you. Pocha LA is a movement. It's a force to be reckoned with. And you and Pocha LA are unstoppable. Just remember, resilience is not about never falling; it’s about rising each time you do. Each setback is an opportunity for growth. It’s in these moments of difficulty that you will discover your true strength and character. Trust in your ability to adapt and persevere. You will get through. You will figure it out. You will not only survive, but you will thrive.

Claire Risoli, part of Latino Trailblazers, in the opening of her restaurant Pocha LA. She's cutting a red ribbon, joined by a multitude of people at the entrance of the building. Photo courtesy of Claire Risoli. — *Photo courtesy of Claire Risoli.*

Relationships will play a significant role in your life, and nurturing them is essential

You will be showing your son that he, too, can do anything that he puts his mind to. Be kind, not just to others but also to yourself. Please take care of your mental health. It’s easy to become your own harshest critic, but self-compassion is crucial. Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you, and don’t be afraid to distance yourself from those who drain your energy. Genuine relationships are built on mutual respect and understanding, not on superficial qualities.

Pursue your passions with dedication and joy. You’ll encounter people who doubt your dreams or question your choices, sometimes even your own family. Do not listen to the dream stealers. Follow what excites you, and don’t be swayed by societal expectations or fears of failure. Please also know that you have a social responsibility to lead other Latinas. To not only be the evidence of what is possible but to also blaze the trail for them to create more opportunities and representation.

Education is a lifelong journey, not confined to formal schooling

Cultivate curiosity and a love for learning that extends beyond textbooks. Find people who inspire you and follow them... Success leaves clues. Seek out new experiences, engage with diverse perspectives, and never stop asking questions. Never stop growing. Never stop evolving. And never be afraid to change the course of your sail if you fall out of love with the direction your life is going. The world is vast and filled with knowledge waiting to be discovered. Approach learning with an open mind and a sense of wonder.

One aspect that will become increasingly important is self-care. In a world that often demands much from you, it’s crucial to find balance. Take time for yourself to recharge, reflect, and engage in activities that bring you joy, like singing con mariachi. Never stop singing. Your heart needs it. Prioritize your well-being and set boundaries to protect your mental and emotional health. Remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish; it’s necessary for a fulfilling life. Please, Clarita, take care of your heart, your mind, your health, and your family. They need you happy and healthy. Success without fulfillment is the ultimate failure.

Life is also about making choices. Some will be easy, and others will be difficult, but every decision shapes your path. Weigh your options carefully, but also trust your instincts. Your heart always knows what is best for you. Don't ignore it just to please other people. Sometimes the right choice isn’t the one that seems most practical, but the one that aligns with your values and dreams. Make decisions that reflect who you are and who you want to become.

Claire Risoli, part of Latino Trailblazers, in a conference. She's standing in a central, round stage inside a closed stadium, sorrounded by stands filled with people. Photo courtesy of Claire Risoli. — *Photo courtesy of Claire Risoli.*

Finally, cherish the present moment

It’s easy to get caught up in future aspirations or past regrets, but the present is where life happens. Appreciate the small joys and everyday moments. They often hold more value than grand achievements or milestones. Learn to find contentment in the here and now, and you will find that happiness is more accessible than you might think.

In conclusion, embrace life with an open heart and a courageous spirit. Your journey will be filled with highs and lows, but each experience will contribute to the person you become. All the professional risks that you have taken and all the times that you have bet on yourself will not have been in vain. Your bravery is the kind that will take you places. Be kind to yourself, follow your passions, and remain resilient. The road ahead will be full of lessons and opportunities, and with each step, you’ll grow stronger and wiser. Trust in yourself and the path you’re on, and know that you are capable of creating a life filled with meaning and joy.

SHE se puede.

**Claire**

If you'd like to read more Latino Trailblazers letters, check them out here!