Occupation: I’m a cook — at Mexicali Rose and at home, too! We opened Mexicali Rose in Newtown in 1996 and later opened a second location in Bethel. We are a family-run business and serve real, authentic, homemade food. We love to cook and put our heart into it. Love is everything. The most important part about Mexicali Rose is that everything I know came from my mom, Victoria. She passed away two years ago.

Family: My husband, Marklin, and I have been married for 29 years. We have two kids, Michael and Dorian. My family is very important to me. My two brothers, Carlos and Jose, also help at Mexicali Rose some days. We all love to cook.

Pets: We have two chihuahuas, Max and Lucky; a cat named Luno; a turtle named Conchita that we have had for more than 15 years; and a bilingual bird named Leo.

How long have you lived in Newtown? We moved to Newtown around 1998. The first house we were in was right near Mexicali Rose.

What do you like to do in your free time? I like to relax at home and sleep in, because I go to bed very late. I used to be full-time, but I have health issues and have had some surgeries. Since Dorian has started working at Mexicali Rose, it has been a big help to me.

Do you have a favorite author? I like Shakespeare and Spanish authors. I used to read a lot, like my daughter, but it’s harder to read now because of my eyes.

What is your favorite travel destination? We have been to Costa Rica, Florida, and Mexico to show my husband my country. For our next trip, we want to go back to Costa Rica, so we can see my husband’s family. I’d love to go to Spain, because my father was from there and I’ve never been there. My son is going to Spain in June.

What is the best part about Newtown? I love Newtown and the people. They are very honest and loyal. I’d never want to move from here. Everyone knows us, and we know everybody. It’s a beautiful town. I’m very grateful to God and to this community, because my older customers — since the beginning — still come back.

Who has been the greatest influence in your life? My family, my husband, and my mom. They’ve taught me commitment; that whatever you start, you finish it; and love every minute of it, because if you don’t love it, why do it? My mom was a very hard-working woman, like we are. Sometimes for couples it is hard to also work together, but Marklin and I make such a great team. He’s a gentleman all the way around.

If you could spend the day with one person, who would you choose and why? My brother, Franco. He died of cancer. He loved cooking and motivated us to open a business.

Who is your favorite musical artist? Luis Miguel. We are going to see him for the first time in June.

Do you have a favorite TV show? I like to watch The Dr Oz Show.

Do you have a favorite movie? I love comedies and action movies. My favorites are 27 Dresses, Pretty Woman, Ghost, and Top Gun. We try to go to the movies almost every Monday, when the restaurant is closed.

What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever been given? To be loyal in everything that you do. It can be for all areas of your life from how you cook to how you address people. My parents and brother Franco instilled that in me.

What is something you cannot live without? My family, especially my husband. My husband and I are always together, and he has given me so much support, like when I lost my brother, mom, and dad, Javier.

What is your proudest accomplishment? To be 22 years with Mexicali Rose and that I know my customers love us. I am very happy.