Life & Work with Gabriel Ornelas

Hi Gabriel, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I come from a very service-oriented family. My father was a peace officer, and my mother worked in healthcare. Their work lives were dedicated to serving others, and any free time they had, they loved to continue that service by hosting dinner parties and gatherings. It’s no surprise as their only son, I also derive great pleasure from being in service to others.

That passion for service manifests itself in several ways: assisting my numerous brand clients at Studio Ornelas, engaging in a meaningful conversation with a hospitality icon and sharing it with the world at On The Pass Podcast, or curating and hosting an intimate dinner for C-Suite executives at CASA ORNELAS.

I’ve always said I’m in the people business, and I feel fortunate to have grown up in a family that really values deep connection and community building. Bridging those values into my career allowed me to tap into my passions and curiosity around travel, innovation, culture, and how food and drink bring us all together.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Life is full of challenges, both professionally and personally. My biggest learnings have come from the challenges I’ve faced with my health. People often talk about the importance of health as our greatest wealth, but until you’ve truly had your health taken away, I’m not sure one can fully understand the magnitude of that statement.

After numerous lower back and shoulder surgeries and years of chronic pain, I have learned to love my body, myself, and all that has transpired. Yes, even the years of pain, I would not change. Benjamin Franklin said. “That which hurts also instructs.” I cannot wish those years away because they taught me so much and made me into who I am today.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I run Studio Ornelas, a global multidisciplinary group of builders deeply invested in the worlds of food, hospitality, travel, and culture. As doers, brand architects, community builders, and storytellers, we leverage our diverse skill sets and experiences to bring these worlds to life in exciting and innovative ways. Our mission is simple: to create powerful relationships between the world’s most recognizable brands and their customers.

My team and I do this by leveraging our deep understanding of food, travel, hospitality, and culture to craft compelling narratives and experiences that resonate with audiences around the globe: Of the industry, for the industry. We have worked with clients like Perrier-Jouet Champagne, Citi Bank, Faena Group, Antigua & Barbuda Tourism, Tequila Ocho, Republica Del Cacao, and numerous others.

I’m also the Creator and Host of On The Pass podcast, a Top 100 Food Podcast serving up inspiring conversations with global figures in food, beverage, and hospitality. In the 5 Season of On The Pass we have highlighted guests like chef Daniel Boulud, chef Dan Barber, spirits innovator Fawn Weaver, CEO of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, food media leader Jamila Robinson, Editor-in-Chief of Bon Appétit, restauranteur Simon Kim, Founder and CEO of Gracious Hospitality Management, pastry chef, chocolatier and Netflix Bake Squad star Gonzo Jimenez and many others.