Today we’d like to introduce you to Michaela Merrick
Hi Michaela, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Pretty Little Tacos emerged from a profound need to survive. In 2020, during the challenging times of the pandemic, I launched Pretty Little Tacos, starting with a small food trailer to make up for lost income while out of work. Inspired by my daughter Channing and driven by our need to survive, I began by offering just a few options, quickly garnering a dedicated following. The unwavering support from the community allowed my business to flourish organically.
In 2021, after the unfortunate theft of my food truck, I moved Pretty Little Tacos to Politan Row food hall. There, I rapidly rose to become the top vendor, continuing to expand my brand. Today, I proudly operate my first official brick-and-mortar location with a full bar at 45 Moreland Ave in the vibrant Reynoldstown area, as well as another food hall stall in Dunwoody.
I now operate three locations: Moreland Ave, Midtown, and Dunwoody. I have also replaced my food truck and now offer catering and food truck events. On May 5, 2024, we celebrated four years in business, marking a significant milestone in our journey. Pretty Little Tacos is a testament to resilience, community support, and the belief that even in the toughest times, dreams can become reality.
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?
It has not been a smooth road at all. It has taken extreme resilience and a little bit of insanity. This is an ever-changing business, and I have learned to take it one step at a time. I wasn’t taught how to do this or given a step-by-step manual; my biggest teacher has been experience. Both the good and the bad have made me resilient. I’ve taken criticism, learned from it, and never taken it personally. The key for me is to remain humble, always apologize, learn from the situation, and adjust.
My biggest struggle was not having anyone’s advice except my own. I had to learn through trial and error. I do feel that if I had some advice, I could have avoided many mistakes. However, I do not regret the journey because it has taught me invaluable lessons. While building my brick-and-mortar location, I was scammed out of my money by my contractor, which extended the building process to two and a half years. Along the way, I lost confidence, some of the support from my followers, and a lot of money.
I stood in adversity and never gave up, even when people I admired and respected told me to let it go. Ultimately, I kept going and opened that location in February of this year. We have been doing very well, and I have a testimony: If I can do this, so can you. This is one of the main reasons I strive to one day help other aspiring entrepreneurs—because no one helped me.
We’ve been impressed with Pretty Little Tacos , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am mostly known for being the originator of the birria taco fusion wave, most famously for my oxtail birria. When I began my business, my focus was on creating non-traditional tacos and exploring a Creole-Mexican fusion. This unique approach set Pretty Little Tacos apart from the start, blending the rich, soulful flavors of Creole cuisine with the vibrant, diverse elements of Mexican fare. The oxtail birria became a standout dish, earning a dedicated following and cementing my reputation as an innovator in the taco scene. This commitment to creativity and quality has been a cornerstone of my journey and continues to inspire the evolution of my menu.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory is spending the summers with all nine of my cousins. We grew up playing outside until the street lights came on, creating endless adventures and unforgettable moments. One of the highlights of those summers was learning how to cook from my grandmother. Her kitchen was always filled with laughter, delicious aromas, and invaluable lessons that she passed on effortlessly.
As the youngest granddaughter, I was always made to sleep with my grandmother at night while my cousins stayed up late. At the time, I didn’t understand why, but now I cherish those moments deeply. My grandmother passed away last year around my birthday, and I have come to appreciate how she always held me close and how she taught me to never cut corners and to always do my very best. Those nights spent with her are some of my most treasured memories. Her love and wisdom have profoundly shaped who I am today and inspired my culinary journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.prettylittletacos.com
- Instagram: @prettylittletacosatl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prettylittletacos
Image Credits
Michaela Merrick
