Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Padilla
Hi Emily, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello! My name is Emily owner of Em’s Panadas kitchen. I was born and raised in Boston MA and moved to Atlanta 2018 after I graduated with my Associates degree in Business. My mother is from Cambodia and my father is from Honduras, they’ve separated when I was about 3 years old. Growing up in two different household it has taught me so many different recipes and techniques. I am married to my husband Eric, who is from the Dominican Republic for almost 11 years and we have two energetic little boys that are only 3 and 2. When we first moved to Atlanta, I had to learn how to make Dominican dishes just because all i knew was more Cambodian and Honduran dishes. It took me several years to perfect the dishes that taste closer to home for my husband. Living in Georgia has taught me to become more independent and a go getter just because it’s a slower pace living compared to Boston. One of my sweet aunt, Aunty Sophia and my uncle B has driven me to start my organization called Em’s Panadas, my uncle B was the one that helped out with my name just because everyone called me “Em” and I wanted something very easy and fast that people would enjoy at festival so we decided to start with Em’s Panadas!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh man! I don’t think running a business is always smooth. We’ve been running this organization for almost 4 years, and it took almost 4 years to a have a smooth road. The most struggle was to prep the food for the events, especially working full time and being a full time wife and mother. Lots of arguments, sweat, and laughs and this is what makes it a challenge for me, I have learned I can never sit still, when something is done, i want more! I want to strive for more, to become better for myself in the future. The more we learn through the task, the smoother the road is.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Manager at a Nail Salon in Jefferson GA. I am known to always be on top of our client needs. If the nail techs are unable to assist them I will find my way to please them in any way possible. Not only I help clients, I want to be the reason the employees and clients return to work or to our salon. Clients always tell me “Emily, why are you always happy at work” It’s a domino affect, it can be my worst day, ill still shine on everyone that walks into the salon 🙂
What were you like growing up?
I was always a Tomboy! Still am. I like getting my hands dirty, if we have a crack wall I’ll find my way to fix it. Also, I love sports! Played basketball all my life, I’m a huge Celtics fan. Personality, I’ve always been to goofy one in my family, always joking around with people.
