Meet Sylvia Villarreal | CEO, The Savory Pie and Beauty by Sylvia V

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sylvia Villarreal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sylvia, what matters most to you?
For me, I place a high value on authenticity. From childhood on through adulthood, I have always made it a point to be real and genuine in my relationships and interactions with others. I am true to who I am, and this is what makes me unique in many ways. No matter what circumstances and challenges I have faced in life I have never changed who I am, and what I believe in. I feel it’s important to evolve throughout life, but keeping your true authenticity should stay with you for a lifetime. My personality and positive spirit draw people to me immediately, which has always opened the door for opportunities and the right people in my life. I am a creative with a determined spirit so when I set out to do something it’s with passion and doing something that brings me happiness and to inspire and empower others, especially women. From having a full-time career, being a freelance makeup artist, to now owning a new savory specialty empanada catering and delivery service here in Houston, I go all in with love and talent. This is the secret to my success and something I have exemplified in everything I do and will keep on doing for as long as I am allowed. There should be no limits on what we set our hearts and minds to do! My motto is if there are no opportunities for you, make them yourself so you can create opportunities for others.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I’m so excited to bring to you my savory specialty empanada catering and delivery service here in Houston. It has taken me a while to get here but everything that is meant to be takes time. The road hasn’t been easy. For years I juggled a career in graduate medical education and non-profit administration, motherhood and the challenges of life that have created my story. Along the way, I felt unfulfilled and needed something to do that could unleash my creative side. Two things that I absolutely loved, beauty, style, art, and cooking. In 2006, I set out to start a freelance beauty team for makeup artistry and hair while juggling everything else. I became successful, but as I mentioned prior to, we must evolve and my evolution has taken me to my other passion, cooking.

Why empanadas? Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the world and food is everything! I for one love to try new foods and focus on the flavors and what draws me to the dish. My love for cooking stems from me watching my mother as she made Mexican dishes that were passed down from my grandmother. I loved to watch her and learn exactly how she created her traditional dishes. As an adult, I perfected her recipes. My mother-in-law was another influence of mine. I watched how she cooked her traditional Dominican dishes and learned the differences in spices and cooking methods of Caribbean dishes. When I cook, I create. I love to infuse both and even create my own special recipes. The most fulfilling thing for me is watching when others taste what I have created. The smiles, compliments and full tummies say it all. Something as simple as an empanada has had this effect not only on my friends and family who have been my taste testers, but for all my customers who have ordered and tried The Savory Pie. The secret ingredient is LOVE. I take the time to perfect my craft and provide fresh quality goods that have the homemade taste, texture, and freshness you don’t get from your typical food on the go. I invite you to try them and see for yourself! In a city full of tasty tacos, let’s switch it up and try empanadas as an alternative. We can serve small orders all the way to any size catering for your workplace functions, to all special events. Contact us for more information.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
That is a tough one! There is so much to do in our city. At any time, you’ll find something to do. Personally, I enjoy The Post Houston. It’s one of my favorite places to take friends and relatives who visit Houston. There are so many good choices to eat and then go up to the rooftop and enjoy the scenic views of the city. Personally, in my time off I enjoy being by the water and we like to take the drive to Galveston. I like to sit by the water and meditate in silence to de-stress and help my creative ideas flow. Afterwards, have lunch or dinner at the strand and take in the shops and bar hopping. It’s a nice little getaway because there are unique spots to enjoy especially on the Strand. Other spots are the nightlife in Midtown and Downtown. When we’re due for a night out, we like to take our friends to enjoy some great craft cocktails. 

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Primarily, I can’t do anything without putting God first. I wouldn’t be where I am today through the good and bad. Second, my three daughters, Alina, Nayeli, Alexia and my grandson, Carmelo is my world. I strive to be an example for them and to leave a legacy they can be proud of. They say who you are is who you surround yourself with and nothing can be further from the truth! My partner John, family, close circle of lifetime best friends and the community of successful people I have connected with who have mentored me, loved on me, prayed for, pushed me to my limits and have watched me grow as a person in my personal life, business, and career, I hold them all very dearly. Additionally, being a leader and serving others is important to me and I must give special recognition to my fellow executive board members of NHPO Houston (National Hispanic Professionals Organization) where I have been a part of the board for the past six years in addition to other organizations, I am involved in. It takes a village, and everyone here is part of my village and I have been eternally blessed by all of them.

Instagram: @thesavorypie and @beautybysylviav

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylvia-villarreal-cnp-b16b916/

Facebook: @thesavorypie

Other: email: thesavorypie@gmail.com