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

Hi Avonte, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk is a necessary part of success. I always equate risk to money, because I have always had to work hard for what I receive. I had to risk my savings in order to make my dream of opening my own business come true. I didn’t have the luxury of being able to take a loan, or borrow from family. If I failed, then it was all on me. When I think about taking any risks it is a scary feeling, because it is taking me out of my comfort zone, but I know that there is no growth in doing the same things every day and feeling comfortable. I have come to learn how to love the feeling that risk gives me, because it feels like progress. It has helped me to learn not to be afraid of failure. Risk has completely shaped my career. I no longer look at taking a risk as something to be scared of. I simply look at it as a new opportunity.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started working in restaurants as a dishwasher. I worked my way up through the years and eventually learned enough to open up my own business. I started out in farmers markets and catering, and once the pandemic Closed everything down I had to pivot into a food truck. Climbing through the ranks was difficult, I had to put in long hours to get to where I am today, an 80 hour work week was not in common at the restaurants I managed. I finally decided it was time for me to put that same effort into myself, and that’s what I am doing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite spots in the city have to be the beaches. Although I rarely actually swim I love going to sunset cliffs and sitting on top and watching the waves splash against the rocks. When I want to get into calm water I’ll take my kayak to mission beach and go around the bay. I also really love the drive in theater it gives me a chance to relax and be out while also being in a comfortable place. I am very much a homebody but I always manage to allow my friends to convince me to go out with them from time to time. We always end up in either pacific beach, north park, or hillcrest. I find gas lamp to be too touristy I have a love for Bo Beau, a French restaurant that serves the most amazing Brussels sprouts, they serve them at all of their locations, but the ones in ocean beach just hold a nostalgic feeling for me, and so those are the best ones.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
All of the local organizations that have sprouted up through the cracks during this pandemic and who are thriving. I have heard from so many local companies who are helping local businesses be heard and who are making their mark on the world by sharing amazing stories. My shoutout goes to these people who are shining a light on local businesses during these hard times!

Website: thesourcevegan.com
Instagram: Instagram.com/rollinrootssd

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.