Mesa shop vendor builds thriving Mexican import business

MESA, AZ (AZFamily) — Maria Borquez was only a young woman when she opened her shop. Twenty years later, her business has grown into four thriving storefronts — one of hundreds of Latino-owned businesses in Mesa.

Borquez owns El Rinconcito Mexican Imports, which occupies four shops within Mesa Market Place. Borquez’s store sells imported Mexican goods.

Borquez started the business when she was 18 years old and has run it for over 20 years. She said the merchandise changes depending on sales trends, and she tries to bring in items that are different from what other stores carry.

Among the shop’s popular items are agave-themed decorations. Borquez says the items are common in Arizona and Mexico, where the agave plant is used to produce tequila. She said agave is a plant that survives well and does not die quickly like traditional cut flowers.

Borquez says customers, both locals and out-of-state visitors, buy the items and take them home. She believes shoppers are drawn to how the items look and that they can match different home decor styles.

The shop owner not only keeps busy with running the business, but also filling custom orders. Borquez said one customer recently visited the store, asking for a custom churro display!

“It takes me five to six weeks to complete because I need to make the design and then the process,” she said. “I design what I want, and the guys make it for us.”

The market’s summer hours are Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Beginning Oct. 1, the market will transition to its winter hours, which will run Friday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Click or tap here for more information on the market.

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