What do the words "Creative Community" bring to mind for you? How do you feel is the best way to utilize members in a Creative Community?
These words bring to mind a set of individuals with different strengths, different talents, coming together to create and make shit happen. Our events usually involve artists to make trippy and unique flyers, musicians or DJs to provide live entertainment and generous restaurant owners who do not mind us using their kitchen space to create a wonderful night of taco eating.
How did you discover your creativity?
In my kitchen at home and through inspiration from meals I've had at many great restaurants and at friends' dinner tables.
What was your first “Big Break” in your profession?
Our first big break happened recently when a food critic had our tacos and loved them. He turned out to be a writer for San Francisco Magazine and suggested to their food editor that they feature us. We ended up getting a full page photo in the recent April issue. Very cool.
What's in your backpack/handbag/tote right now?
Kleen Kanteen coffee mug, headphones, matches, A's beanie, Warriors beanie, gum, lens wipes, box cutter......
What are some of your favorite places/books/blogs/websites for inspiration?
Mexico City, Oakland restaurants, perusing restaurant menus online. Seeing what kind of produce chefs are working with.
Who are the people that have been instrumental in your success as a creative professional?
My business partner Jake. He always sees things with a cool, rational head. Such as big events we cater like weddings. He grounds me when I'm stressed and it allows me to focus more on the food and creativity with it. I'm constantly learning from him as he has way more experience working with food than I do. He constantly challenges my ideas, in a good way. He challenges me and we come up with some pretty neat stuff together.
My father has been fairly instrumental as well. He's constantly pushing me to do what makes me happy and does not mind that I graduated from UC Berkeley, but now make tacos for a living.
What would be your last supper?
My mother's rice and beans with some of her simple, pounded tomato salsa. Tortillas of course. Maybe a little queso fresco too :)
What would be your Networking Do's & Dont's?
Don't hate.
Get out there and do things. Worst thing that can happen is failure. Failure is good. You learn from failure.
Full Name: Oscar Michel
Profession: Taquero
Industry: Food
Website: www.tacososcar.com
Instagram: @tacososcar
Twitter: @tacososcar
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