Transforming Lives With Tortillas in Mexico City - The Story of Jorge Nava Sanchez

When recruiting new staff, Jorge Nava Sanchez’s first question is not to the applicant but to God:

“Will this person come to know You, Lord, through being employed at my business?” 

Going Into Business to Share His Faith

Jorge launched his first tortilleria, named Tlaxcalli, in Mexico City four years ago with his wife Jhoana. Their vision was to revolutionize a traditional Mexican business while sharing their faith and impacting their community and employees. And they are. 

Through Jorge’s faithful witness, Ernesto, an employee of Tlaxcalli, and his wife Magdalena, who once practiced Santeria, came to know Christ. The couple then led six family members to faith. And they aren’t the only story. Through Tlaxcalli, 10 people have been baptized, and most employees are now followers of Christ, attending church with Jorge and his family.

But Jorge's heart to share the gospel extends beyond his staff. He encourages employees to take the time to connect meaningfully with customers, especially when it’s obvious they are having a challenging day, leading several customers to intentionally come asking for prayer.

Their main product, the tortilla, may be a Mexican staple, but the government regulates the price, tightening margins. Roughly 40 tortillas (one kilogram) are set at 22 pesos, just over $1. Most tortilleria owners cut corners, choosing to maximize profits at the expense of their customers. They have low hygiene standards, poor working conditions, steal electricity, and buy substandard ingredients.

Tlaxcalli, with its signature lime-green and bright yellow fascia, fresh walls, and uniformed staff, does things differently. Jorge diligently sources nutritious ingredients, keeps his premises sparkling clean, and encourages his staff to provide exceptional customer service. 

Aspire Launchpad

In 2022, Jorge, Jhoana, and their teenage daughter Georgina participated in Aspire Launchpad at their church, facilitated by Sinapis network partner CMF InternationaI. The program, for idea- and early-stage entrepreneurs to test and hone their business ideas while integrating faith with their work, was an answer to Jorge’s prayers, who felt God called him to business.

Previously, as the operations director for a large tortilleria business with 300 outlets in the country, Jorge faced opposition from his boss when he proposed setting up a prayer and Bible study meeting with Christian colleagues. This resistance spurred Jorge to establish his own business so that he would have more freedom to share the gospel in the workplace.

At Tlaxcalli, Jorge oversees operations, and Jhoana manages the kitchen. Through Aspire, they identified “the missing pieces in the business,” Jorge shared, including “costs, expenses, inventory, and being able to have greater control.” The program led them to be able to pay salaries for all workers, including for Jorge himself and his wife. 

Tlaxcalli is growing. They have expanded to two storefronts with aspirations to franchise. Selling around 240 kilos of tortillas daily, they outpace competitors and have expanded their offerings to include ready-made, Mexican dishes for those too busy to cook wholesome meals at home. His daughter, who is now in college, also sells candy at Tlaxcalli. Their loyal customer base appreciates the consistent products and service. 

For Jorge, entrepreneurship is a calling. He believes, “It’s very important not only to do business and make money but also to seek to apply the principles of the Kingdom." 

“It’s very important not only to do business and make money but also to seek to apply the principles of the Kingdom."

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