Introduction to Ivan Diaz
Ivan Diaz is the face behind Oasis in Lyric Market. Picture yourself in college, and you’ll probably imagine days filled with studying, classes, and partying. However, Ivan Diaz’s story is different. As the owner of Oasis, a concept that offers acai bowls and smoothies in Lyric Market, he’s focusing on his entrepreneurial goals while attending Rice University.
Early Life and Career
Diaz had a strong work ethic instilled in him from a young age. He grew up watching his dad take odd jobs and occasionally helped out. At 16, Diaz joined his dad at PJS of Houston, a commercial janitorial company, working close to 80 hours a week. He began working at a local smoothie shop in South Houston in his junior year of high school, where he was given a shift lead position and eventually took over as area manager.
The Birth of Oasis
Diaz quit his job in the fall of 2024 when he started college, as balancing work with classes and homework was too much. However, he wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the smoothies and acai bowls he had grown to love. He started selling acai bowls on campus, and his pop-ups became popular among his peers. Things took off when he did a pop-up in partnership with another student, raising nearly $1,000 for a nonprofit organization.
Expanding Beyond Campus
With the money he had saved up, plus some help from his mom, expanding beyond campus became a real possibility. Diaz started looking into potential brick-and-mortar spaces but realized that his young age and self-employed status made securing a lease more difficult. He then narrowed his search to food halls, which is how he found Lyric Market. The location downtown meant he could attract a good crowd during the day, and there was a need for healthier offerings in the venue.
Menu and Pricing
Oasis’s menu includes acai bowls, parfaits, smoothies, and a matcha latte. The menu is designed to be affordable, with nothing priced over $13.99. There’s a nod to Rice University with an acai bowl named after the residential college, Lovett. The menu also includes a variety of parfaits, smoothies, and a matcha latte.
Future Plans
Since Oasis has proven to be a success, Diaz has high hopes of expanding to Rice University as more than just a pop-up. He’s pushing to be included in the Moody Center Complex for Student Life, which broke ground this year. Diaz is determined to finish school and potentially pursue other ventures down the line.
Conclusion
Ivan Diaz’s story is an inspiration to many young entrepreneurs. Despite his young age, he has proven that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. Diaz’s journey is a testament to the fact that age is just a number, and it’s never too early to start pursuing your passions. With Oasis’s success and plans for expansion, it’s clear that Ivan Diaz is just getting started, and we can’t wait to see what he does next.
