We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Julyanna Ortega . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Julyanna below.

Julyanna, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?

Personally I think that you must do whatever you are passionate about. Keeping in mind all the aspects of what makes a business successful and meeting the market’s needs.
To know the ups and downs of a business, competitiveness, always to be willing to learn and adapt to changes.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Ever since I was little, I have always loved to be in the kitchen. I remember my aunt baking cookies, cakes,… There was always something to do and I loved helping her.
Fast Forward to my teens, I left home to study and kind of left cooking a side. After highschool I went to college to study International Relations and it wasn’t until I returned home when cooking came back.
I had a lot of free time and went back to enjoying spending time in the kitchen and most of all baking.
Eventually I got a job in a boutique hotel, in an office, I realized how much I missed cooking.
Not long after I decided to quit and open my small business.
The idea behind Taller 17 is and has always been to make recipes that I personally like.
I remember cinnamon rolls, oatmeal cookies and brownies were one of the first items on the menu.
Another important aspect, from the very beginning of Taller 17 was the location, it had to be a place where I felt comfortable. Things like color palette, music and lighting.
Since it is such a small space I always envisioned that Taller would only be a “to go” kinda coffee shop, but as time went by customers started to ask for a place to sit.
I like to think of Taller as a place where people go for their coffee and pastry and they bump into friends, neighbors…
Meeting new people there has been very special to me. Through the years I have cultivated friendships that are now a very important part of my life.
I feel very grateful with the people who work in Taller without them our success over the years would not be possible. It is a lot of work and every day they come up with new ideas that help improve our processes.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Definitely when I decided to quit my job and pursue what I truly like. At the time it was the bakery, but now I think that my interests have changed a bit. Recently I have been also interested in designing spaces. That is why I am now working on a new project where my love of wine and interior design come together. I am very excited because I am sure this new place will also have great food and drinks, a place where you will feel comfortable being with friends!

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

I started my small business with my savings and loans from family members. The investment was small and I feel very fortunate that my family has always helped me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @taller17todossantos
• Facebook: Taller 17

Image Credits
José Miguel Mercado