Today we’d like to introduce you to Mia Cortez
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Back in 2015, I returned home to San Antonio to be back around family from the east coast. The unfortunate string of losses of family members through cardiac conditions drove me to take my heart health more seriously. Without the budget to go to the gym, I opted for an outside activity that was “free”, which turned me into a runner. Naturally, taking up a physically hobby like running, sometimes tests accountability and discipline; I sought out a way combat myself by searching for running buddies and clubs . Being part of the restaurant lifestyle, didn’t leave me much options at the time, so I started my own; a run club that focused on nightly run on Tuesdays. I had no idea what I was signing up for when I took up the “non running” responsibilities of the club. It was hard to show up, knowing others might but the persistence helped me navigate a more organized self. This led me to appreciate how important it is to be connected in person, and how like minded goals really fuel each other, so I decided to try more meetups that could do the same. Once we introduced yoga, cycling and power walking to the line up, it was a matter of finding supporting meeting places through local business around MIdtown. Luckily, we had a lot of love and success from our pop ups, however we got to a level that we really needed a place to create fluidity in a space rather from hopping events. Initially, I started looking for a studio space to host classes and workshops that could be a store front, and a good friend of mine pointed me in the direction of the current space we are currently in. Midtown Meetup , although rebranded a few times, has always wanted to serve the community by provided low budget or free classes or pop ups to friends and neighbors. It’s so important that we surround ourselves with each other but more important around those who fuel each other to be better, stronger and aim for the goals put in place for ourselves and each other.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I have been in the restaurant/bar industry since I was 15, and one of the things I’ve learned is that something will always pop up, break, get overlooked; and the best thing to do is re-write the game plan and execute. With almost 20 years of experience in customer service, and 14 years in the bar industry, I found myself learning about somethings I had never been exposed to throughout my years as a manager or operator, that as a business owner have come to light as things I had not yet learned about. Those types of things can either set you back with time or money; give you anxiety to be perfect. We are human, we will miss things or ride a hiccup too long – I always try to reassure people ” if you aren’t nervous it’s gonna go smooth, you just don’t care enough”. I think its important to give yourself and others a little grace but use every opportunity to learn, understand, and move forward without too many self kicks in the butt!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Midtown Meetup is a neighborhood bar-dega in the heart of San Antonio. Our kitchen specialty is loaded baked potatoes, while our bar carries a full variety, and our mini mart provides an assortment of fruits, veggies, snacks, and knick knacks. Friends and neighbors can come enjoy the space or participate in any of our scheduled events, workshops or concerts. Our variety goes from book club to poetry slams, open mic to jams, karaoke to bingo, day discos to tardeadas – we like to host it all!
Bringing the community and the neighborhoods together socially is the main goal, when people care about each other – they care about what friends care about. Our Midtown is pieced together by five neighborhoods : Alta Vista, Beacon Hill, Five Points Monte Vista, Tobin Hill and our District 1 is pretty large – so we are all dealing with the same construction, politics, projects and etc., so it’s important to lay the foundation through social connection and build our way to making a difference.
We have really chiseled ourselves to just be a water hole, I take personal pride when I see people conversing, relating to each other or even making plans to hang out later or outside of the shop. When people walk in, most the time they spend the first 2 to 3 minutes saying hi to everyone they’ve met on another occasion!
We really try to make the place seem more homey than just another bar, between bringing back the conversation pit and trying to bring in local product from the neighborhood – we are really trying to use the shop as an outlet for everyone. Our motto is ” their success is our success”
Currently, I’d have to say not having an exterior sign is the most proud I am. Although we will be getting one soon, the amount of curiosity we receive for it, is one of the main reason people walk through our doors. Sometimes, its neighbors poking in and just wanting a look around but most times, it provides a great time to ask them about themselves, how they enoy the neighborhood and just really get to know the neighbors n such.
I want everyone to know, we are a small business but we strive to accommodate. Whether it’s through catering, private events, room rental with enough planning and communication , we can make it happen. If you just need someone to talk to, come on down . We are open every day, noon to midnight, even holidays.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was really fortunate that my family was big and supportive, my mother always made sure I had something to do or somewhere to be which helped combat some of my early adhd tendencies. I remember sometimes being so exhausted or feeling forced to do these activities and just dreading them but lessons or know hows that were learned have carried over into my fundamentals, that I am grateful for those experiences. From being a girl scout, all the organized sports, music lessons and dance troupes I look back and am proud to see how those small moments have created a big impact on how I live and interact with and around people. The diversity of my fathers lesson “make friends with everyone, ask a lot of questions” has really lead me in a positive direction when it comes to really enjoying people and those who chose to enjoy genuine company.
Pricing:
- our check average is $15-$25
- most events are free – indication on flyers
- room rental : $50/hr
- no outside food or drinks allowed
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midtownmeetup/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/midtownmeetup
