From a rural area deeply affected by conflict, Jaris Julio transformed her agricultural roots into a culinary model that supports more than 120 families.
AI Brief
NewsFrom a conflict-ridden area, Jaris Julio transformed her rural roots into a culinary model that supports over 120 families. From Montes de María, Jaris Julio Díaz brought her roots to the heart of Cartagena's culinary scene. Photo: CourtesySUBEDITOR24.03.2026 13:45 Updated: 24.03.2026 13:45
At the age of eight, while many children were just beginning to discover play, Jaris Julio Díaz was already learning to work. Her story begins in a village in El Carmen de Bolívar, in the heart of Montes de María, a region marked for decades by violence, state neglect, and limited opportunities. READ ALSO There, among crops and difficult roads, her paternal grandmother instilled one of the lessons that would define her life: "It's not shameful to work, it's shameful to do wrong." That phrase drove Jaris to go door to door selling avocados, beans, honey, or whatever was available. At first, she recalls, she felt ashamed. But she soon realized that this activity not only provided her with income, but also a key skill: the ability to sell, to communicate, and to believe in what she was offering. Unknowingly, she was building the character of a future entrepreneur.Deep roots: the value of the countryside and connection to one's originsThe flavors of the countryside are now transformed into unique dishes in restaurants in the historic center. Photo: CourtesyShe grew up watching her father work the land. Agriculture was not just a job: it was survival. Planting, harvesting, and transporting crops were challenging, but necessary. Each dish tells a story, each ingredient has an origin. The second restaurant, 'Sambal Caribbean Bistro', with a more casual approach, opened its doors to a wider audience, democratizing access to this culinary offering without losing its identity. "Every dish we serve has at least one ingredient from Montes de María, because I don't want to lose that connection to my origins. It hasn't been easy to establish ourselves in Cartagena, but with perseverance and faith, we have achieved it," she says of her restaurants, describing them as an experience for diners. Both are located in Getsemaní, one of the most dynamic and competitive areas of Cartagena. Establishing herself there was not easy, but Jaris achieved it through discipline, strategy, and resilience.The invisible challenges: staying afloat in a competitive environmentFrom selling avocados to leading restaurants: a story of effort, faith, and resilience Photo: CourtesyBehind the success lies a less visible reality: high costs, debts, urban development projects that affect the flow of customers, and constant market pressure. Running a restaurant involves paying rent, utilities, salaries, and suppliers. Whether or not you sell, the expenses remain. Jaris and her husband have had to resort to loans and constant adjustments to keep the business afloat. But they have also found in their relationship a key balance: he is in charge of operations and finances; she is in charge of commercial strategy and visibility. This teamwork has been crucial."Today we are at another stage: to show the best of our land and for people to value it in every dish. It is possible to succeed, but you have to be resilient, have faith, and surround yourself with the right people," says Jaris Julio. Although today her story is an inspiration, Jaris does not forget the context from which she comes. Montes de María was a scene of violence and displacement, and many of those wounds are still present. That is why her project is not only a business: it is also a form of social transformation. Every dish served in her restaurants represents a chain of peasant effort, resilience, and hope. This video may interest you:Follow all the information from Colombia on Facebook and Twitter, or in our weekly newsletter.NEWSLETTERS EL TIEMPORegister for our newsletters and receive news in your email according to your interests. Stay informed with what really matters to you. EL TIEMPO GOOGLE NEWSRemember to follow us on GOOGLE NEWS. Stay always updated with the latest news, coverage, stories, and analysis directly on Google News. EL TIEMPO WHATSAPPJoin the El Tiempo channel on WhatsApp to stay up-to-date with the most relevant news at the moment. EL TIEMPO APPStay informed with the EL TIEMPO app. Receive the latest news, coverage, stories, and analysis directly on your device. SUBSCRIBE TO THE DIGITALReliable information for you. Subscribe to EL TIEMPO and consult our journalistic content without limits.