Cafecito With Entrepreneur Gabriela M.C.

For Hispanic Heritage Month, SUMA is bringing you real-life stories from individuals – just like you – who used their endurance, passion, and pain to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. 

Today, we bring you Gabriela M.C., owner of Postres Café, a dessert coffee shop located in Bellflower, California.  Postres Café is a family affair, with Gabriela starting her business in 2020 with her father and sister. Her dream represents generational healing, hard work, and family unity. We interviewed Gabriela on what it takes to become your own jefa.

What inspired you to start your own business?

I’ve always wanted to have my own business, but just didn’t know what kind of business would be good for me. While traveling in Paris, France in 2017, I fell in love with the cafes and the sit-down culture. I thought to myself “this would be such a great concept in L.A.”

What’s the first major step you took in starting your business?

Doing market research. I wanted to learn about the coffee shop business, the restaurant business, and social media marketing. I knew I wanted to create something that was counter to Starbucks culture. I didn’t like how fast-paced our society had become with people becoming increasingly impatient and entitled. I knew I wanted to focus on community-building and creating a beautiful cafe that would encourage people to sit and slow down a bit.

What have you learned from your customers?

I’ve learned that we have a great connection with them. They’ve honestly become like family in some cases, while others have become a reflection of things we need to improve on. Our business has evolved since opening and I believe every business should be evolving with time to continue to grow with the customer base. I’ve found that feedback is feedback and to not take everything to heart.

What is the most rewarding thing about having your own business?

Meeting the customers that are moved by our story. Many travel hours to meet us because they identify with our journey and they always share how inspired they are. Tears in both of our eyes type of deal! 

What is the most difficult thing about having your own business?

The most difficult thing has to be the pressure of making things work knowing that employees will be affected by my decision making – both good and bad.

What are your future plans as an entrepreneur?

I want to create real, tangible opportunities for other like-minded people with similar backgrounds (First Generation). I see my other business, Empresaria Society (Mentorship Network and LifeStyle brand), becoming a very big brand. I already host events catering to the First Gen community and I can see it becoming a traveling festival and much more. I want to create scholarships for First Gen Businessowners, First Gen College Students, and DACA recipients. 

What advice can you give to someone wanting to start their own business right now?

Be prepared for the spiritual, mental, and emotional journey it is going to take you through!