Michel immigrated to the United States from Mexico City with his family in the early 1960's when he was just a child. He was taught the value of hard work by working in his family’s restaurant, La Siesta Mexican Restaurant. La Siesta quickly became a staple in Richmond and remained in business for over thirty years. During its many years as a local establishment, La Siesta received many culinary achievements, but none greater than what would soon come. After a long while, it became more than a restaurant, it became a local hotspot for the Hispanic community. Not only for delicious food, but also as a place to gather and obtain information on everything going on in the community.  As the necessity for information constantly grew so did Michel and his wife Lisa's passion to provide it. This passion and commitment to the community led to the establishment of multiple educational programs, as well as, the birth of the Virginia Hispanic Chamber & Foundation.