“You’ve gotta ask yourself one question: ‘Do I feel lucky? ‘Well, do ya, punk?” The answer is yes, I feel very lucky. My name is Celia Xecominos and this is my story.
I was born and raised on Eastern Ave. in Baltimore City, MD. Life wasn’t always completely terrible, but it wasn’t easy either. Every two years my father would pack up everything and move us to a new home. As a young child, the constant relocating started to give me a complex. Just like the new kid on the block, you start to feel awkward and unwanted. Growing up in complete poverty didn’t help either. As a child, I never knew what it was like to have nice clothes or new toys. Being one of 5 daughters, most of my belongings were used or broken.
When I was 9 years of age, I got my first job on a horse farm. In exchange for free riding lessons, my younger sister and I would muck out stalls and care for the animals. Given the circumstances I had to face as a young child, the physical labor taught me responsibility and self-worth, and it didn’t stop there.
The restaurant industry has been in my family for over 60 years. I started working in my family’s restaurants at 10 years old. My father was a very successful business man and had the opportunity to manage many restaurants. He taught me everything I know today on how to run a successful business. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be where I am today. At 18 years old, I got a job working at a local Ice cream sub shop. Within a year’s time, I went from making $6.25 to $10.50 an hour. I was also promoted to a manager and given full responsibility. I worked alongside my team to ensure that the best service was being given. As a manager, I made sure that my team members were happy and taken care of. I’m a firm believer in taking care of my employees first and they’ll take care of you. For 4 years, I worked 65 hour work weeks and started putting money away. Within those 4 years, I went and bought my first car without any help from my parents. For a young adult, it’s such an empowering feeling to know that that car in the driveway is yours. Because of all my hard work and dedication, I was finally able to add one of my dream cars to the family, a 1979 Chevy Camaro 350 Small Block. My staff and regulars always know when I’m at work. J ust look for the purple Camaro!
For the past couple of years, I’ve bounced around from restaurant to restaurant. From Naughty Dogs to Famous Dave’s to Outback Steakhouse and finally, Buffalo Wild Wings. I feel like I’ve finally found a home with Buffalo Wild Wings. The staff is great and the money is awesome. I look forward to many years to come, flying high on the wings of the buffalo.
What’s your Story?
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