We had the good fortune of connecting with Mari Rubio and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mari, how do you think about risk?
By definition risk is “a situation involving exposure to danger”. However, in my case I’d replace the word “danger” for “the unknown”. For someone that through most of her life had it all “figured out” and always had a “safe net”, I would say taking risks has played a fundamental part in the person I am today (and continue to become) both personally and professionally. Had I not taken the risk of venturing on my own and decided to be independent, I would have never opened Casa Gioia. Had I not taken the risk to leave behind everything I believed to be certain and true at the young age of 22, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I wouldn’t have awakened all these things inside of me that had otherwise stayed dormant. Leaping into the unknown is terrifying (especially for someone who likes to control every single aspect) and it’s one of those situations where the first thing that comes to mind is “what if I fail?”, but you have to be so committed to your purpose that you remind yourself why you’re doing it.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Casa Gioia is a “bake to order” concept that has been on the market for 7 and a half years. We started from home, baking desserts from our little oven and through hard work and word of mouth moved into a commissary from where we operate now. It hasn’t been easy but it has sure been rewarding to be able to get this far and have people love our brand and products so much. Running a business will always be challenging, but the ride is a bit smoother if you’re surrounded with great people that keep you motivated and believe in you.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would go to a spa at the Ritz Carlton. A tour of the Vizcaya Museum. Rent a boat and go to a sandbar. Have lunch at Mandolin Aegean Bistro. Grab desserts (and cornbread) at Cindy Lou’s. Do Happy Hour at The Sylvester. Have dinner at Ariete. Head over to Key West for a few days. Bar hopping in Fort Lauderdale. Jazz night at Lagniappe. Drinks at Lost Boy and then Jazz night at Le Chat Noir. And a little rum speakeasy experience at Swizzle Rum Bar & Drinkery.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mom keeps me going by motivating me every day, my aunt keeps me grounded, and my friends and family are my biggest cheerleaders! And of course our amazing customers that continue to trust us to bring a little gioia into their lives!

Website: www.casagioiamiami.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casagioiaus/?hl=en
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/casa-gioia-miami
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChB914sweonGmYlD-QWRaHQ

Image Credits
Johanna Logreira

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