Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mariana Gonçalves Leal. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Mariana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
My business was born out of necessity rather than as a hobby, even though I’ve loved sweets and began making them at the age of six. Starting a baking business had never crossed my mind until I faced financial challenges and needed a way to generate additional income.
After several unsuccessful attempts to secure a better job or a part-time role, I remembered a friend in Brazil who had started a bakery business from her small kitchen and eventually opened her own store. Her story inspired me to reach out for advice, which became the first step in my entrepreneurial journey.
She recommended her e-book, which I purchased immediately. The very next day, I began practicing her recipes while adding my own unique touch. I also created an Instagram account and started posting my products to attract attention, as these types of treats were not widely known in my area. Within a week of sharing my creations, I received my first inquiry from a friend asking when I would start selling. That moment confirmed I could turn this idea into a viable business.
By the end of that week, I made my first sale and had additional orders lined up. Within a month, I was fulfilling daily orders for my most popular items, including Traditional Brigadeiro Strawberry Coxinha, and White Brigadeiro Grape Bombom.
A few months later, I received a pivotal opportunity when Prime Flavor Brazilian Barbecue contacted me to ask if I made cake jars—something I had already planned to add to my menu. Partnering with them to supply cake jars not only helped me expand my offerings but also significantly grew my audience.
Today, I primarily focus on creating sweets for their food truck and catering treats for events. What started as a necessity has grown into a fulfilling and sustainable business.
Mariana, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I create homemade Brazilian gourmet treats, bringing the authentic flavors of Brazil to the U.S. I primarily work with Nestlé products, as they offer the key ingredients needed for my creations, such as condensed milk, table cream, Nido (dry milk), strawberry Nesquik, and Nestum. My specialties include traditional Brazilian truffles, known as Brigadeiros, Doce de Leite, truffle-covered strawberries and grapes, and cake jars.
My treats are perfect for various occasions, whether it’s a quick dessert, an office party, or a formal event. What sets me apart is the exceptional quality of the ingredients I use, the authenticity of the Brazilian flavors, and the passion I pour into every product. I believe this passion is my ‘secret recipe,’ and it truly resonates with my clients.
What I’m most proud of is how quickly my business has grown and the positive attention it has garnered. The feedback I receive from clients, who love the products they purchase, is more rewarding than anything else. Although my business started out of necessity, the joy and satisfaction I bring to others have made this journey incredibly fulfilling.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I believe my reputation in the market has been built on the exceptional quality of my products. While desserts are typically expected to be very sweet, I focus on creating a balanced flavor profile for each item. This ensures a delightful experience for my customers, leaving them satisfied and eager for more.
We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.
I personally manufacture all of the products I sell, including Doce de Leite, Brazilian-style truffles, cakes, fillings, and the whipped cream used in my cake jars. Brazilian truffles, being a cultural favorite, were something I had made many times before, but never on a scale for selling. I worked on perfecting the recipe to ensure it had a balanced sweetness that would appeal to a wide range of customers.
As for the Doce de Leite, I’ve been making it since I was six years old. However, when I started making it here, I noticed the flavor wasn’t quite the same due to the cookware I was using. On a trip to Brazil, I brought back a copper pan specifically designed for making sweets, and that allowed me to achieve the authentic flavor I had been striving for.
I love the process of manufacturing each product because it gives me the opportunity to add my personal touch and my ‘secret recipe’ every single time.
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