Local’s tamale business continues growth

“I have five kiddos total, and I do what I do for them; especially my oldest, who is about to be 16. I just want my kids, all of them, to be proud of me and say, ‘Dang, mom, you made it, and we are proud of you. That’s my goal. And for my kids to follow the footsteps of their successful mom.”

Lisa (Vanhowten) Hinkle said she has been dreaming of running her business as long as she can remember, and she’s been doing just that with Lisa’s Tamales.

Hinkle said the idea came to her last November when a past Facebook post from seven years prior reminded her that she had made tamales for her family.

“I was like I heard my best friend who passed away almost ten years prior saying to me, ‘girl, you better make those tamales,’” she said. “At first, my husband was nervous because he had never seen me make them but helped me get started anyway. That was the best part; I had a supportive husband.

Lisa started small, selling her tamales for a low price, but success led to an increase of output, profit and even tamale size.

“I had a very successful season,” Hinkle said.

Last February, Lisa started at Lowe’s Market as a meat wrapper and worked her way up to a meat cutter, but she is still selling tamales based on demand and is gearing up nonetheless for this year’s tamale season.

“I can’t wait to get started on everyone’s orders! I put love into everything I do,” she said. “People have said that my tamales are to die for and Texas power bars. My nickname at Lowe’s and to some people is Tamale Queen.”

Lisa’s menu features a wide variety of menu choices that includes traditional tamale flavors, a wide variety of cheeses, veggie options, specialty meats like deer and even sweet tamales like pumpkin or Oreo.

Additionally, tamales are available in Keto and Vegan-friendly options, and half dozen prices are available.

“I didn’t do tamales to get rich quick,” Lisa insisted. “I did it so my kids could have a great Christmas, and I didn’t have to worry about a babysitter or clashing with my husband’s work schedule. It was so nice! I worked when I wanted and had my own schedule and deadline.”

As her business continues to grow, Lisa continues to plan for the future.

She says she hopes to take her product to other states like New Mexico, where it’s not unusual for customers to pay up to $30 a dozen.

In the meantime, those interested in ordering from Lisa’s Tamales can do so by texting 830-253-3478. Cash, Venmo and CashApp are accepted as payment.