Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariana Gonçalves Leal
Hi Mariana, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
One of the main inspirations for starting my business was my own situation—a reality that I believe many Americans face today. I’m single, living alone with my small dog, Chica, and the rising cost of living has made it challenging to keep up. I started searching for a better job or even a second one, but the options were limited. Then, one night, after hours of brainstorming about how to earn extra income, I thought of a friend back in Brazil who started a bakery from her home to make ends meet. That story inspired me to take a leap of faith, and within a week, I made my first sale.
Another driving force behind my business is my love for baking and cooking. It brings back memories of my grandparents and keeps me connected to them, even from thousands of miles away. I’ve been making sweets since I was about eight, and noticing the lack of Brazilian treats in my area sparked the idea to share these delicious, unique flavors with others.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting a business from scratch hasn’t been easy. One of my biggest challenges has been advertising and reaching new audiences. Since my products are mostly familiar to the Brazilian community, it’s been a bit difficult to get people from other backgrounds interested in trying them. On top of that, my kitchen space is very limited, which makes it hard to work as efficiently as I’d like.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Mari’s Gourmet Delights specializes in Brazilian fudge and Brazilian-style cakes. Our crowd favorites include the Traditional Brigadeiro Strawberry Coxinha—a fresh, juicy strawberry covered in homemade Brazilian fudge and sprinkles; Grape Surprise—a green grape enveloped in creamy white Brazilian fudge; and Gourmet Cake Jars—layered with moist cake and rich, creamy fillings.
What sets me apart is my dedication to crafting each product with love and care. Most of my ingredients are handmade—from strawberry jam and chocolate fudge to doce de leite—adding a special touch to every bite. What makes me most proud is seeing the happiness my customers feel when they try my treats. Bringing joy through each bite is my passion.
I take personal small orders as well as partner with businesses, including a Brazilian BBQ catering service and Pedroca’s Burger, that resell my items. I’m also available for events like weddings, birthdays, and more. I aim to be flexible and work closely with clients to bring their visions to life.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Thankfully, I started my business after the crisis, so it hasn’t directly impacted me. However, seeing the challenges other businesses faced has taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability in uncertain times.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marisgourmetdelights/profilecard/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561653448307&mibextid=LQQJ4d
