Today we’d like to introduce you to Beatriz Leal.
Hi Beatriz, 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?
Growing up in Brazil, food was always a way to bring people together. After moving to the United States and becoming a stay-at-home mom, I found myself looking for something that would keep both my mind and my hands busy while still allowing me to be present for my family.
What started as baking for family and friends quickly turned into something much bigger. I realized there was an opportunity to share a little piece of my home country with my community here in Spring Hill, Tennessee. I began creating homemade baked goods inspired by the flavors and traditions I grew up with in Brazil, while also incorporating favorites that local families would enjoy.
Today, my micro bakery and farm stand allow me to combine my passion for baking, entrepreneurship, and community. It has been incredibly rewarding to see people connect with the flavors of Brazil and support a small, family-run business. What began as a creative outlet during motherhood has grown into a business that brings joy to others and keeps me connected to my roots every day.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Honestly, it has been a pretty smooth journey so far, and I’m very grateful for that. The biggest challenge hasn’t been obstacles in the business itself, but rather finding the right balance between growing my business and being present for my family.
Another challenge is that I’m constantly coming up with new ideas. I love being creative, and my customers love trying new products and flavors, which inspires me to keep experimenting. Sometimes I have more ideas than I have time to make, but that creativity is also one of the most rewarding parts of the business.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Before starting my bakery business, I graduated from college in Brazil with a degree in Child Development and Education. After graduating, I moved to the United States through an exchange program, which is where I met my husband and eventually built my life and family here.
What makes my story unique is that I have no formal training in baking or culinary arts. I never attended baking school or earned a culinary degree. Everything I know comes from my family’s love of cooking, especially the recipes and techniques passed down from my mother, who learned many of them from my grandmother. A lot of my experience has also come from years of experimenting, testing recipes, and learning through practice.
Today, I run a small farm stand and micro bakery where I specialize in artisan breads, baked goods, and treats inspired by both American favorites and Brazilian flavors. Our Artisan Jalapeño Cheddar Bread was one of the products that first became a customer favorite and helped grow our business. More recently, our cinnamon rolls have become incredibly popular and are now one of the items customers ask for the most.
What I’m most proud of is creating a business that brings people together while staying true to my roots. I think what sets us apart is the combination of creativity and Brazilian influence. I love introducing unique flavors and constantly creating new products for customers to try. The Brazilian touches, family recipes, and homemade approach make our farm stand a little different from others and help create an experience that customers keep coming back for
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I believe luck has played a positive role in my life, especially in the opportunities that brought me to where I am today. Moving to the United States through an exchange program, meeting my husband, and building a family here are all blessings that helped shape my journey.
At the same time, I also believe that success comes from hard work, consistency, and being willing to try. Starting my farm stand and micro bakery took a lot of learning, experimenting, and putting myself out there. I didn’t have a culinary degree or formal baking training, so much of what I do today comes from family traditions, practice, and a willingness to keep improving.
I also feel fortunate to have such supportive customers. They are always excited to try new flavors and products, which allows me to be creative and continue bringing a little bit of Brazil to my community. In many ways, luck opened some doors, but dedication, family support, and an amazing community have helped me walk through them
Pricing:
- Jalapeño Cheddar Bread: $10
- Cinnamon rolls: starts at $2
- Pricing varies by product and season.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rioorganicstn
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18gh2u5dzA/
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rioorganicstn
