Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolina Camacho.
Hi Carolina, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
“From Ixmiquilpan to Florida: The Dream Behind JAMÄDI”
I can’t say exactly when my journey as an entrepreneur began. I believe it was a mix of experiences, emotions, and challenges that brought me to this moment—sharing my story with you. I’m a proud Mexican immigrant, originally from a small town called Ixmiquilpan. My business is called JAMÄDI, and it was born from the deep love and admiration I have for my roots and for the place that watched me grow. I’m a lawyer and political scientist by profession, a graduate of Tecnológico de Monterrey in 2019. Life, however, had different plans for me. Today, I’m an entrepreneur running a small business in Clearwater, Florida, where we sell authentic Mexican-style snacks. With every bite, our customers get a little taste of Mexico.
In Mexico, I practiced law for three years—as a trial attorney specializing in immigration, an electoral affairs delegate, and a volunteer in nonprofit organizations, among many other professional roles. These experiences filled my heart, but in my view, they were not well compensated. Unfortunately, I happened to be a professional in Mexico during a time when having a degree didn’t guarantee a stable income or a promising future. Some might think that studying doesn’t really make a difference, especially when life takes you down an unexpected path. But I strongly believe that education matters. It gives you a different perspective, helps you think critically, and makes you more aware of essential areas like marketing, customer service, accounting, and business management—skills that have been incredibly useful to me as a business owner.
My entrepreneurial spark was lit during a trip to Texas. I launched my first venture—a Mexican food truck in Plant City, but due to personal reasons, I couldn’t continue. That early failure didn’t stop me. In fact, it made my dream even bigger. I went back to work—this time as a waitress in a well-known Mexican restaurant in Clearwater. I gave it my all. I worked long, intense weeks—60 to 90 hours—saving every dollar and building my dream in silence, just on my mind, at that time, many people asked me why I worked so hard if I didn’t have children, a husband, or a house to maintain. But my dream, my true dream, was only in my mind.
One day, I bought a simple notebook from Dollar Tree. That’s where it all began to take shape: the name, the concept, the menu, the business hours. Everything about JAMÄDI started there. I always knew that would be the name. JAMÄDI is a word in hñähñü, the native language of my hometown. It means “thank you”—a word that captures everything I feel for this journey. Gratitude, to me, is a way of life. Starting JAMÄDI formally wasn’t easy. It took five long months filled with ups and downs. I faced rejection, uncertainty, and self-doubt. I had no idea how to start a business from scratch—especially in a country that wasn’t mine. Permits, licenses, paperwork—it was all new. But this country gave me something invaluable: the chance to grow, to believe in myself, and to make my dream come true.
My parents and sisters are still in Mexico. There’s not a day I don’t long to hug them. But every sacrifice has been worth it. They are my strength and my reason to keep going. As I write this, we’ve been open for seven months. Thanks to God and to our incredible community, JAMÄDI has been warmly welcomed and is growing fast. By the time this story reaches you, we might already be opening the second part of our dream.
From a tiny town in Mexico to a small business in Florida, this is more than just a story about food—it’s a story about identity, perseverance, and the power of never giving up.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was simply not knowing where to start in a foreign country. The uncertainty of how to take those first steps was overwhelming. I knew nothing about permits, licenses, or the necessary registrations to legalize a business in the United States. Each process, each form, was truly a challenge. This is where the skills I gained from my education came into play. I spent hours researching, calling, emailing, and doing everything I could to find answers to my many questions. There were days when I felt like I wasn’t making progress, like every door was closed. But despite everything, I kept pushing forward, seeking information and learning from my mistakes. Those challenges, though discouraging at the time, were what taught me not to give up and to keep moving forward with even more determination.
The other struggles I faced on this journey was dealing with the criticism I received for being a graduate and starting a business in the United States. Many people judged my decisions and what I do now. For some, the fact that I studied a career at such a prestigious university like Tecnológico de Monterrey and then “ended up” starting a business in another country seemed contradictory, even degrading. However, despite these opinions, I never let them affect me. I knew that my happiness and success didn’t depend on others’ expectations, but on my passion and following the path I felt was right for me. The criticism, rather than discouraging me, only strengthened my belief that everyone has their own journey. My degree wasn’t an obstacle, it is actually a tool that allowed me to do things differently and innovatively. Today, I look back with satisfaction, knowing that my decision to follow my dreams was the right one, regardless of what others may have thought.
In a personal sense, one of the biggest challenges I faced was dealing with criticism for being a graduate and starting a business in the United States. Many people judged my decisions and what I do now. For some, the fact that I studied a career at such a prestigious university like Tecnológico de Monterrey and then “ended up” starting a business in another country seemed contradictory, even degrading. However, despite these opinions, I never let them affect me. I knew that my happiness and success didn’t depend on others’ expectations, but on my passion and following the path I felt was right for me. The criticism, rather than discouraging me, only strengthened my belief that everyone has their own journey. My degree wasn’t an obstacle, but a tool that allowed me to do things differently and innovatively. Today, I look back with satisfaction, knowing that my decision to follow my dreams was the right one, regardless of what others may have thought.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My business is called JAMÄDI. We prepare Mexican-style snacks, as well as ice cream, fresh fruit, natural juices, aguas frescas, and a wide variety of food and drink options. We’re known for our customer service, the quality and flavor of our products, and the vibrant atmosphere of our location. JAMÄDI is full of color, and we’ve created a small play area for children to enjoy. We’re currently working on launching a surprise in the coming weeks—something our customers have been asking for since the day we opened. Stay tuned for updates!
At JAMÄDI, our brand is built on deep-rooted values that reflect who we are, where we come from, and what we stand for.
Gratitude is at the heart of everything we do—it’s even in our name. “JAMÄDI” means “thank you” in Hñähñü, the native language of Ixmiquilpan, my hometown in Mexico. This word represents the spirit with which we serve every customer and the appreciation we feel for the opportunity to share our culture.
We also value authenticity, which is why we stay true to the traditional flavors and ingredients that define Mexican street food. From our snacks to our drinks, every item is prepared with love, care, and a touch of home.
Community and family are central to JAMÄDI. Our space is vibrant, welcoming, and designed to bring people together—including a small play area for kids, because we believe joy should be shared across generations.
Lastly, quality and service are non-negotiable for us. We are proud to offer delicious, handcrafted options while treating every customer like family.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I have a phrase written on the whiteboard in my small office:
“Luck doesn’t exist. It’s me—waking up early and going to bed late. It’s me—doing everything in my business. It’s me—serving customers the best way I can. It’s me—pushing myself every single day to be better and do better than the day before.
But if that’s what we’re calling luck… then yes, I’m incredibly lucky.”
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamadicl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Jamädi/61563738657042/
