WHAT YOU WLL LEARN: 🔥 Lisa's vision, combining her passion for gastronomy and love for Mexican culture 🔥 Lisa's entrepreneurial journey from Mindful Soul House to Kej Caban 🔥 Challenges Lisa and her partner Hector faced along the way and how they overcame them 🔥 The importance of being aligned with one's purpose, allowing new opportunities to unfold

Lisa de Bruijn, a passionate entrepreneur with a background in gastronomy and hospitality, is in the midst of realising her dream project: opening a unique and inspiring Mexican restaurant in her hometown, Breda in the Netherlands.

Lisa's passion for Mexican cuisine was ignited during her travels through the country, where she fell in love with the vibrant flavours and rich culinary traditions. Her inspiration was further fueled by her relationship with Hector, born and raised in Mexico City. Together, they embarked on a culinary adventure, partnering to open their own Mexican restaurant.

Lisa's initial vision was born amidst the tranquillity of Ericeira, Portugal, where she found herself immersed in a world of mindfulness and personal growth. She founded there Mindful Soul House, a webshop that brings ceremonial cacao and other artisan products from Guatemala and Mexico to Europe. The dream was to one day create a real physical mindful soul ‘house’. However, the path to realisation was not without its challenges. Balancing the demands of daily life with the pursuit of a grand vision proved to be a constant juggling act and a journey full of obstacles.

Yet, Lisa's determination remained unwavering. She envisioned a place that would not only activate the taste buds but also nourish souls. A fusion of Mexican culinary traditions and local, sustainable ingredients was at the heart of the concept. But it was more than just food; it was about creating a space where people could connect, take a step back from their daily life and experience something extraordinary.

A pivotal moment arrived when Lisa and her partner, Hector, faced a setback in their plans to open a restaurant in Mazunte, a small village next to the sea in the South Pacific. Instead of dwelling on disappointment or forcing an idea that repeatedly ran into obstacles, they channelled their energy into exploring opportunities in the Netherlands. Serendipity played its part when a space became available in Lisa's hometown, Breda. It is a beautiful, spacious, centrally located place, steeped in history and brimming with potential.

The decision to embark on this new venture was not without its risks. With limited resources and a daunting renovation project ahead, Lisa and Hector faced a steep learning curve. However, their belief in their vision and the support of loved ones propelled them forward, and now they are only a few weeks away from opening their restaurant, Kej Caban.

Central to the concept is a deep respect for tradition and sustainability. By sourcing local ingredients and incorporating ancient Mexican cooking techniques, Lisa and Hector are aiming to create a dining experience that is both authentic and innovative. The restaurant will also feature a carefully curated selection of artisanal products from Mexico, including textiles and ceramics, reflecting the couple's passion for sharing the rich cultural heritage of Mexico.

The heart of the restaurant will be a tortilla-making machine, a centrepiece that symbolises the couple's dedication to crafting fresh, homemade cuisine. The menu will offer a balance of traditional Mexican flavours and contemporary twists, catering to a diverse clientele.

Lisa’s story is an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs who dare to think big and create something extraordinary, and serves as a prime example of how opportunities and assistance naturally unfold when one is aligned with their purpose.

Kej Caban will open its doors on October 6th in Breda.