We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Fernanda Ross a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Fernanda, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I am Argentine, born and raised in Misiones, a province of Argentina that borders Brazil and Paraguay. Growing up, I was immersed in a world of doughs and delicacies, thanks to my mother who is a pastry chef.

Although I never dedicated myself to cooking, as my career took a completely different path—being a model and fashion designer with my own line of dresses, bikinis, and lingerie—in 2020, I started dating a handsome Californian. A year ago, I moved to sunny southern California to live with him.

The one thing that immediately caught my attention here… people didn’t know about chipa, a delicious cheese bread that is very popular in Misiones, Argentina. In my home country, chipa is a part of everyday life; you can find it in stores on nearly every corner, and it’s common to see street vendors offering it.

The chipa recipe has deep roots, as it was created by the Guaraní people, a tribe native to the triple border region. This culinary tradition has been passed down from generation to generation. In Argentina and Paraguay, we call it chipa, while in Brazil it’s known as pão de queijo. Although the basic ingredients—yucca flour, eggs, milk, and cheese—are the same, each region has developed its own unique version.

That’s how I decided to create a cheese bread brand in Southern California called “Ms. Cheepa,” with the idea of introducing Americans to this delicious snack.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

From a young age, entrepreneurship has been a core part of my life. I’ve always been passionate about business and creating innovative ideas. Over the years, I’ve developed a wide range of skills in areas such as marketing, event organization, finance, photography, video production, and everything needed to build a brand or business.

At the age of 19, I opened my own Arabic dance academy, which grew to over 150 students. Later, at 20, I studied fashion design, and by 23, I had launched my first store. A year after that, I started my own fast-food restaurant. I’ve also had the opportunity to organize fashion shows across Argentina, combining my love for design and business.

Today, at 30, I’m beginning a new chapter of my life in the beautiful south of California. I am ready to take on new challenges, armed with the experience I’ve gained over the years. My goal is for people to discover Ms. Cheepa, try it, and make it a part of their daily menu, sharing the flavors and tradition of this delicious cheese bread.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

I come from a traditional middle-class family with a strong work ethic and a mindset focused on studying, earning a degree, and working in a conventional job. As the youngest of four siblings, all of whom attended university for many years, I started working at the age of 14 due to my parents’ financial struggles. They were supporting my older siblings’ education, and I witnessed the tremendous effort they were putting in. Wanting to alleviate their burden and not wanting them to make sacrifices for me, I decided to start saving from a young age to cover my own educational and personal expenses.

I worked in various jobs, from cleaning to selling cars, always with the goal of saving enough to start my own ventures. I never received financial support or help from family or friends; every business I started was funded by the savings I accumulated from working in countless roles.

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

The pandemic of 2020 presented a significant challenge for the entrepreneurial world as we had to close our businesses without knowing when we would be able to reopen them. It was a tough year for all business owners and marked a turning point. I had to rethink the future of my businesses; we closed the fast-food restaurant and transitioned the clothing store to an online shop. This shift proved successful, as immersing myself in the digital world allowed me to reach many other countries. I also ventured into content creation, driven by my passion for social media.

I believe that in the face of challenges and difficult times, it’s important to pause, reflect, and reset. Change is a part of life, and nothing is certain or permanent, not even ourselves. That’s why, in both life and business, it’s crucial to continually reinvent oneself and adapt to each new phase. I maintain the mindset that solutions always exist; we just need to seek them out and never give up. As entrepreneurs, we often face crises, challenges, and situations where the future seems uncertain. Cultivating a strong mindset is key to an entrepreneur’s journey, and self-discipline, especially during tough times, is essential.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mscheepa.com www.fernandaross.com
• Instagram: @ms.cheepa @_fernanda_ross
• Facebook: Fernanda Ross
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernanda-ross/?locale=en_US
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkm75fK7PqKbINRvGLXyoQw/featured
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ms-cheepa-lake-forest

Image Credits

Fernanda Ross.