Life & Work with Oby Queiroz, Founder of Simply Oby

Today we’d like to introduce you to Oby Queiroz

Hi Oby, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Oby, and I’m a wife, a full-time working mom, and a passionate lover of all things culinary and baking. As a mother of three adorable children, I strive to balance family, work, and my creative pursuits, which have become a big part of my life.

In 2022, I crossed paths with a remarkable woman who changed the course of my journey. Through a short but insightful conversation, she helped me see my strengths and untapped potential. That was the moment *Simply Oby* was born. Although I had been blogging before, life’s demands led me to set it aside for a full-time job. But with a renewed sense of purpose, I returned to my passion—blogging and teaching culinary skills from scratch on my YouTube channel, which now boasts over 4,000 subscribers.

With the growing recognition, I stopped viewing my passion for baking as a hobby but expanded it into a home-based side business. From the comfort of my kitchen, I create beautiful cakes, delectable pastries, and offer food deliveries to clients in Portugal.

My creative energy extends to personalized t-shirts, which I craft with love for clients in Europe, Nigeria, and across the US, including places like Temecula, CA; Las Vegas, NV; San Antonio, TX; Steubenville Ohio; and Auburn, WA.

As Simply Oby continued to grow, I knew I wanted to take things even further. Cake tastings aren’t very common in Portugal, but I decided to host one in Lisbon to create my brand awareness. The event was a huge success! Different people attended, and my brand recognition expanded even more. As a result, I won more clients, secured cake orders, and solidified Simply Oby’s presence in the local market.

Now, my dreams are reaching new heights as we prepare to open a cake shop in Lisbon, Portugal.

I’m also creating unique gift ideas to surprise and delight my clients, pushing the boundaries of what Simply Oby can become. Every day is an opportunity to blend my passions, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Success is never linear. There are always bumps here and there but the most important thing is persistence. I remember when I launched my YouTube channel in 2022, I felt like I could not do it and that I would not get to 1k subscribers. Here we are today with over 4k subs and still counting.

Has it been a smooth road? Absolutely not. I’ve faced the challenges of juggling my full-time job while being a mom to three teenagers—ages 16, 14, and 12. Being married to an avionics engineer who works outside of Portugal on a rotational basis did not help either. I had to figure it all out, most times alone. Managing all this alongside my growing business hasn’t been easy, but I’ve learned to navigate it with careful planning. I started drawing up a weekly calendar, which became my lifeline.

This calendar includes everything: managing my professional career, scheduling time to cook and film for my YouTube channel, writing blog posts, taking cake orders, and ensuring prompt delivery to my clients. It’s a lot to balance, but it has taught me how to prioritize what matters most.

I also learned how crucial it is to carve out “me” time for rest and recovery, so I can keep up with the demands of both work and family life. Each step has come with its own set of challenges, but those same challenges have shaped me into a more organized, resilient version of myself.

Before 2022, my blogging, baking, and culinary passion was unknown. I knew I needed global visibility so I got my domain name (simplyoby.com) and developed my website. It was my pedestal to greatness. I was able to document my cooking videos, not only on YouTube but also on my website.

My passion for food, travel, and lifestyle was re-ignited.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a full-time professional working at an Embassy, where I’ve had the privilege of serving as the secretary to more than four Ambassadors. However, my true passion lies in my side business, Simply Oby, where I specialize in creating cakes, pastries, food deliveries, and personalized t-shirts.

At Simply Oby, we focus on the concept of “Less is More,” using less refined sugar and enhancing our cakes with the natural sweetness of fruits and purees. We are known for our unique combo cakes that offer endless flavor possibilities, irresistible fillings, and limitless frosting options.

I’m very proud of our commitment to sustainability, as we source ingredients locally, use eco-friendly cake finishes, and deliver our creations in biodegradable packaging. This dedication to healthier, high-quality, and eco-conscious treats sets Simply Oby apart from others.

It makes me happy to see the joy our cakes bring to our clients and the positive impact we are making with our eco-conscious approach. It is rewarding to combine my passion for baking with my values of health and sustainability.

What I am most proud of is my ability to juggle my responsibilities as a full-time working mom and an entrepreneur. Despite my busy schedule, I challenged myself academically and pursued a Master’s degree, graduating with distinction in Governance, Leadership, and Democracy Studies from the Universidade Católica Portuguesa. This achievement is a hallmark of my personal and professional growth.

After my graduation, I embarked on another challenge by participating in a six-month program through the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) organized by the US Embassy in Lisbon, Portugal. Although I did not take home the grand prize, the experience was invaluable and deepened my understanding of entrepreneurship.

What sets me apart is my perseverance and willingness to embrace new challenges. These qualities push me to continuously grow, both personally and professionally, and they drive Simply Oby to new heights, helping us create unforgettable memories for our clients through our cakes and treats. As a result, Simply Oby is becoming a formidable force in the Portuguese bakery world, setting new standards with every creation.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is finding balance and fulfillment in all the roles I play in life—whether it’s as a mother, a professional, an entrepreneur, or a lifelong learner. Each aspect is essential, but the way they interconnect is what gives my life meaning.

My family’s well-being is a top priority, and being able to nurture them while pursuing my professional goals brings me great satisfaction.

Why does this matter?

Because balance is not just about time management; it’s about creating harmony between personal growth, family commitments, and professional aspirations. This balance gives me the energy and purpose to continue pushing boundaries, whether it is excelling at work, building my side business, or continuously improving myself through education and new challenges.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://simplyoby.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplyoby
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplyoby
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@simplyoby
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/SimplyOby

 

 

 

 

Image Credits
@USA Embassy – AWE
@Maciara Rocha Photography