Today we’d like to introduce you to Armando Estrada.
Armando, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Growing up, my grandmother Olga would take us across the border (“ al otro lado” she would say) on the weekends to go shopping.
It was very common for us to cross the bridge into Nuevo Laredo and spend the day visiting various markets, eating food, and watching the street performers perfect their acts! I remember these times so vividly because of all the colors and aromas.
As an adult, I cherish the times when a smell can bring me right back to those exact moments and that is why I opened up Olgas Mercado here on the downtown east side of San Antonio, to be a neighborhood market where you can eat delicious food, buy interesting items and watch performers perfect their craft!
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
For the most part, yes. I can’t complain because of the beauty in being able to wake up every day and work towards the experience, both for myself and my guests.
Sure, the recent inflation issues have hung over our heads like grey clouds, but we try and see the positive in every situation!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a local DJ and for a long time, I’ve come with the dance party to any location that has the space and willingness to have me! There’s nothing greater and more positive than the right tunes playing at the right time.
When starting Olgas Mercado, I knew I wanted to be that conduit between a neighborhood market and the artists that live around us!
I started off teaching piano on the Westside of San Antonio at The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center and I believe that is where I developed a strong sense of what it means to be a part of the community and how I as an adult can be a part of the growth and future through teaching and really just being involved!
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Just know there are answers to all your questions and people who are willing to share time and knowledge, you just have to get out there and seek them!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @olgasmercado
- SoundCloud: @todochido
Image Credits
Armando Estrada and Julián Estrada
