Inspiring Conversations with Gabriela Otero of Cleo and Leo Cookie Co.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriela Otero.

Hi Gabriela, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Gabriela Otero-Hermosillo, and I am the owner of Cleo and Leo Cookie Co. I grew up in Lawrence, KS, but I was born in Chihuahua, Mexico. I will always admire the courage my parents had to move to a different country with three little daughters. We were lucky to have friends and family here who made us feel at home and always supported us. I never realized the obstacles we faced until it was time for college. I wanted to go to art school, but I wasn’t able to go due to my legal status. I was able to go to JCCC, where I found the pastry program. It was a different art form that spoke to me, and luckily it came naturally to me. I moved around a few bakeries before finding one that allowed me to grow and expand my knowledge; I will always be thankful to them for trusting me and letting me lead during my time there. I started Cleo and Leo Cookie Co. in October 2020. It was something I never believed I could actually do, but I took that same courage my parents gave me when they moved us here and went for it! It’s been an absolute whirlwind, and I have never experienced so much growth, but I am excited to see what else my art passion brings me.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being an immigrant in the US has had obstacles that haven’t always led to a smooth road but, as corny as it sounds, they have paved the way to where I am now. I do have DACA now, which has allowed me to work in the US and start my business.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Cleo and Leo Cookie Co. is a home bakery I started in October 2020. I started mostly for the creative freedom it would allow me to have. I wanted to grow and love my art, not feel burnout from it. I can make anything from custom sugar cookies for a child’s birthday to beautiful tiered cakes for weddings. I always have the highest standards when it comes to not only ingredients but the final product. I believe my brand pleases not only the customers but also the customer’s friends and family. I want them to feel love and like they are giving love when they share my sweets.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
You don’t have to try and figure it all out on your own! There are plenty of people willing to help and more than happy to support small business owners. I found a Small Business Development Center that provides free assistance and advising; there’s a chance there’s one in your area. Check them out! Also, it’s gonna be difficult at times, but you have to envision why you’re doing it, and hopefully, it’s for a better you and a better future for others!

Contact Info:

• Email: cleoandleocookieco@gmail.com
• Website: cleoandleocookieco.com
• Instagram: cleoandleocookieco
• Facebook: cleoandleocookieco