The San Antonio writer, culinary artist, veteran, and SALA Press founder discusses Westside roots, matriarchal storytelling, and her first book.
Founder of SALA Press, Laquesabe is preparing to release Valentina, the first book in her debut trilogy, Tale of a Matriarchy, on August 19, 2026. Her work centers narrative autonomy: the right of communities to define their own stories, flavors, histories, and futures.
Here, she reflects on her roots, creative discipline, and the matriarchs who shaped her path.
How did San Antonio shape you?
I was born and raised on the Westside of San Antonio. I went to Holmes and Lanier, so that place is in my roots no matter where my work takes me. The Westside taught me to find beauty in the hustle, see history as alive, and understand that we do not just survive chaos—we curate it.
Your creative practice brings together literature and the culinary arts. What drew you to those forms of expression?
My work lives where literature and culinary arts meet. I create experiences where flavor and storytelling speak together. Food and writing both build worlds from nothing; they spark memory, create intimacy, and ask people to be present.
How did your journey as a writer begin?
I have always been a storyteller. My journey began with an essay about the women who hold our world together. Through research and “me-search,” I wrote my story through Thoya, the little girl who never left the Westside. I picked up the pen to document the matriarchs.
What challenges have shaped your creative voice as a woman in the arts?
My biggest battle was with myself. Coming from where I do, the hardest part was overcoming doubt and believing I could finish. I wanted to quit with every sentence, but the work kept calling me back.
What shaped my voice was learning to trust the foundation I had built—the friendships, connections, and relationships that carried the vision when I could not see it clearly. Pushing through taught me resilience and discipline, and showed the mijas behind me that you can want to quit every day and still finish the work.
What accomplishments are you most proud of so far?
One milestone was taking my Del Rio culinary students to the San Antonio Paella Challenge. No one expected kids from a border town to make that kind of impact, but they showed up, claimed space, and proved what happens when potential is not limited by other people’s expectations.
My proudest professional milestone is launching SALA Press, my independent imprint. Through it, I will release Valentina, the first book in my debut trilogy.
What do you hope audiences feel when they encounter your work?
I want my people—especially the mijas looking for a blueprint—to feel grounded and resilient. Our inheritance is not only struggle; it is power, precision, and beauty built with intention. I want people to know it is going to be okay.
What makes your artistic work distinct?
My work honors where I come from without relying on nostalgia or perfection. I carry both healed and unhealed wounds. My work treats our culture and stories as a living, powerful conversation.
What do you want readers to understand about the purpose behind your work?
Beyond the books and curated tables, my purpose is narrative autonomy. Our stories, flavors, and histories belong to us, and we have the right to define them. I want the next generation to stand tall against harmful narratives.
How can people support your work or collaborate with you?
Support my work by buying it and engaging with it directly: preorder or purchase Valentina through SALA Press at www.zacatejas.com, reserve a private dining experience, or reach out about literary and culinary collaborations.
Where can readers find you?
Find my work through SALA Press at www.zacatejas.com, follow updates under Victoria Laquesabe, and connect on social media at @taleofamatriarchy. They can also find me at the Centre Club on Friday, July 46th.
What might surprise people who only know you through your writing and culinary work?
People are often surprised that I am a U.S. Army veteran who served during the Iraq War as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne. They are also surprised that my favorite place is offline—gardening with my husband every Sunday.
What advice would you give to women pursuing a career in the arts?
Own your narrative, protect your craft, and walk into every room with your head high.
