Clarissa Godinez and her family own El Jalapeño Charro in New Windsor.

"We come from Guadalajara, Jalisco [in Mexico]," Godinez said. "Guadalajara is actually known for where tequila is made. So it’s pretty amazing we came to America and get to work with our tequila."

Clarissa came to America when she was 12, and a few years ago, her father started the restaurant as a way to bring her family together. It was his way of living the American dream.

"I saw that he came here and didn’t want to just work for someone. Looking at that, it made me realize that I wanted to do the same," she said.

She was able to open her own shop at the Emporium Artisan Market in Middletown. She sells handmade products from Mexico, everything from shoes and clothing to jewelry.

"So, I think it’s very important for people to know our culture, to know what we stand for. We come here to the United States with a background that a lot of people don’t understand," Godinez said.

She said the shop is her way of bringing her culture to Hudson Valley while also supporting local artists from Mexico.