Fernanda Gonzalez - 50 Stories for 50 Years (Story # 25)
When Fernanda Gonzalez was pregnant, she started making flan.
“I did not know how to make any desserts at all. But I started searching on the internet, learning little by little.”
Flan became the first item in a growing list of desserts rooted in Latin American tradition: tres leches cakes, beso de ángel, churro cheesecake, lemon carlota, and gelatins.
“It is something I am very passionate about and I really like. In fact, I work in restaurants, so I wanted to do something more to support my household economy... What really inspired me the most was my daughter and the first kitten I had here in Canada. In fact, the logo of my business is a kitten and a baby.”
By the time Fernanda came to Women in Motion, a free Spanish-language program for female newcomer entrepreneurs at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House, she had more than recipes. She had the beginnings of a business.
“I really like spending time with more women who are starting businesses, and seeing the way they think, which is to keep growing constantly.”
There she found other moms and colleagues, and a way to support the same community that was supporting her.
“I have been able to make more friendships in the same field. I have even been buying from some of their businesses. When my daughter had her birthday, one of the participants was able to make one of her pinatas for me, and another was able to make cake toppers for the cakes.”
The best advice Fernanda received from Women in Motion?
“I should never give up, and that if I truly have that dream to accomplish, I should keep fighting to do it. And not just take Women in Motion as a stage, but as real growth for the future.”
That growth took shape at MPNH's Christmas Market, where Fernanda sold to the public for the first time.
“It was incredible because I did not expect so many people from other cultures to buy my desserts and like them a lot.”
Today, Fernanda is growing her business, Sweet BelliMo, little by little. Her hope for MPNH’s future is simple:
“I truly hope that in 50 years the Women in Motion program continues, because I have really seen many people grow. Among them, I honestly include myself in that program, because they give us the opportunity to know ourselves and know what we are capable of. Many times we need someone to tell us that in order to really believe it.”
Story written by Signy Marcyniuk through an interview with the participant during her practicum placement at Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House.
50 Stories for 50 Years at MPNH is a collection of meaningful stories that celebrate the lasting impact our Neighbourhood House has had over the years. These stories come from long-time participants, families, youth, volunteers, community members, and regular visitors whose lives have been touched, supported, or transformed through our programs, services, and connections at the House.
