Inspiring Conversations with Karla Reyes of Sacks OTB

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karla Reyes.

Hi Karla, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Karla I am 37 yrs old, co-owner of a cafe, SACKS OTB. I grew up in Juarez Chihuahua MX.
Growing up, I was drawn to the kitchen, where I found joy in baking and cooking. Although my family encouraged other paths, my love for food and creativity eventually led me back to this passion. Today, I feel fortunate to be doing what I truly love.
I remember when i was about 8 years old me and my best friend used to do “mud cakes” and we would decorated them with dry leaves from the trees and sell them to each other. I grew in a family of 6 siblings and i knew i had to work hard in school to be able to be anyone in life, I always liked school so i had straight A’s all throughout middle school and high school.

When i was about 14, my aunt came to our house in Juarez and told me about a school in El Paso TX called, LYDIA PATTERSON INSTITUTE, where they helped students learn english and have a scholarship all trhu collage so my mom sat me down and told me it was my decision, but she let me know she wasn’t gonna be able to help much with collage since we were so many kids, and. so i had to make (at the time the hardest) decision for me.

On one hand i love my country and my friends, but i knew i wanted to have my own business one day and learn to speak more than one language. So i said yes, I was invited to do a commercial for the school and thats where my journey in the U.S started. I went to high school for 3&1/2 years and graduated in the top 5% of my class. Then i went to collage and after 2 years i decided to start a journey in a different state. I moved to California about 14 years ago. I remember walking pass SACKS on the beach, and thinking… “I would love to work there”, because i loved the atmosphere and the location. I applied about 3 times before the previous owner gave me a chance, and i grew with the business, and now I have been a co-owner for 3 years. I love servicing and cooking for people, so i can truly say I am living my dream. Ive always believe on doing what you love no matter what. I get to work very early to do what i love the most! BAKE then cook for others all day

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?
the road has been so full of surprises and challenges, the main one for me was learning the new language and the different traditions of the U.S. I remember I had a hard time expressing myself in English, because it was hard and, new and In our household spanish was spoken 99% of the time. I made a decision one day,,, find a boyfriend who doesn’t speak Spanish, So i met my current partner ( doesnt know spanish) and i basically forced my self to speak more english to be able to communicate with him. Now im even learning French!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Sacks has been a gathering and cozy cafe for over 14 years now, We take pride in offering our customers warm, attentive service and food that’s made from scratch with care. Our focus is on creating healthy, flavorful meals that leave a lasting impression like our best seller THE FRENCHIE. A flaky butter croissant with our raspberry sauce, brie cheese, green apple and romaine lettuce.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Cooking with my grandmother, she was a big role model in my life. she had no carrer but her life wasnt easy at all and she still managed to survive and be there for us.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.redondosacksonthebeach.com/?utm_source=gfo&rwg_token=AJKvS9Wbn1OuWwFousGOjedxxusLnQk3tCwwptUcrjfCgbIHI15V9m9uRWHmGoLo68-H1-pZB8O79423cQqfcN3YdOSPcANL1A%3D%3D
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sacks_otb/reels/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SacksOnTheBeach
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sacks-on-the-beach-redondo-beach-2