ebuny blaze.

lower east side, ny-2023

to be a Florida jit is to live in a jaded paradise. The weather is always warm and it’s beautiful. But, Florida is a grit & grind type of place — it can make or break you. It’s all about the decisions you make and having a solid support system + community around you. I was born in Burlington, NJ and raised in Orlando, Florida — I’m FL all day, I became me there. I’m loud, ratchet & boisterous but I’m about something. It’s all about balance. I bring the sun & fans out everywhere I go, I’m unapologetically me, and always been ten toes down. I wouldn’t be me without FL, it’s a part of my essence. I’m a fly girl, too. My up north essence blended with the FL & Texas in me is what makes me pop.

Empanada Mama makes me feel at peace. It feels like a Mom & Pop shop. Everyone is personable and polite (that southern hospitality) and they never miss with the food. My go to is an El Toro or Shredded Chicken (wheat) empanada with a dark & stormy or a nutcracker & water. Food has been a major part of my NYC journey and whenever I’m in the city or have friends in town, Empanada Mama LES is always my go to. Anyone that knows me knows how I feel about this place.

I love living in New York but, I’m still searching for a sense of security that will make it home for me. Once you belong to a community and make strides to improve it for the better is when you can truly consider a place home. I am hoping to feel at home in Brooklyn soon. I’ve lived here for two years now and have realized that NYC is the ultimate challenge. Things will not be easy at all but anything worth having isn’t. I remind myself that I have to believe in myself and my decisions but, never rush the process. I’m exactly where I need to be. Everything will come together in its own time. I am the moment, and will stand on that.