Briana Contreras shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Briana , it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day starts early — around 6am-7am — with three toddlers and a lot of coffee! I spend the first part of my morning reading the Bible and praying (it doesn’t always happen at the same time with three little ones, but I make it a priority in my day). That quiet time helps ground me before the day gets busy. Monday through Wednesday, I’m focused on being present as a mom and taking care of our home. Come Thursday, I shift into baking mode for Panaderia Contreras. Our kitchen becomes a beautiful mix of flour, faith, and hustle. No two days are ever the same, but they’re all full of purpose — whether I’m packing snacks for my babies or pan dulce for our customers.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Briana Contreras, and I’m the founder of Panaderia Contreras — a home-based Mexican bakery rooted in faith, family, and flavor. I bake traditional pan dulce with a lot of heart and a mission to bring daily bread — both spiritually and literally — to my community. What started as a small act of faith during a season of uncertainty has now grown into something beautiful, where people from all walks of life gather around the comfort of conchas, puerquitos, and more. Our brand is unique because it’s more than just baked goods — it’s about nourishment, connection, and creating something meaningful with our hands and hearts. Right now, we’re focused on expanding, partnering with other small businesses, and bringing our culture to more tables — one box of pan at a time.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed I had to earn love by being perfect, by never asking for help, and by making sure I didn’t upset anyone. I struggled deeply with self-worth and carried this fear that I didn’t truly belong. I was a people pleaser — kind, hardworking, and full of grit — but afraid to take up space or burden anyone. Over time, especially through motherhood, faith, and starting my business, I’ve learned that I am worthy of love just as I am. I no longer believe I have to prove my value or go it alone. I’ve realized that asking for help isn’t weakness — it’s how we grow, connect, and create something bigger than ourselves. I still want to help people, but now I do it from a place of confidence and calling, not insecurity or fear.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that’s held me back the most has been the fear of letting people go. I used to fight so hard to keep relationships alive — even the ones that were no longer healthy or aligned with where I was going. I thought love meant holding on, even if it hurt. But over time, I’ve learned that real growth sometimes means releasing — letting people walk out of your life, and even choosing to walk away from others. It doesn’t matter if it’s family or friends — if someone consistently drains you, disrespects your boundaries, or doesn’t support your growth, you don’t have to keep chasing after them. I’ve learned to surround myself with people who breathe life into me, who are heading the same direction, who are where I want to be — emotionally, spiritually, and even professionally. We really are the average of the five people we spend the most time with, and now I choose intentionally.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to building a business rooted in integrity — not just in how we treat people, but in how we make food. I truly believe food can heal. Panaderia Contreras was born from the belief that we don’t have to choose between tradition and wellness — that pan dulce can be made with real ingredients without losing the beauty and joy it brings.
I’m on a mission to transform the pan dulce and dessert industry, even if it takes years. I want to show that our favorite baked goods don’t have to be made with artificial fillers, harmful oils, or shortcuts that compromise our health. It matters to me what goes into every recipe — because it matters who’s eating it: our families, our communities, our kids.
For me, this isn’t just about sweets — it’s about making space at the table for culture, healing, and a better way forward.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say I loved well — that I gave generously, believed in people, and made them feel seen and valued. I hope they say I built something beautiful out of faith and grit, not for recognition, but because I truly cared.
I want to be remembered as someone who chose integrity over ease, who brought healing and joy through something as simple as bread. That I wasn’t afraid to be real — as a mom, a wife, a businesswoman, or a believer — and that I lived with purpose, even in the unseen moments.
I hope people can see my testimony and know their past does not define them. That you are more than what people label you or define you as.. You have purpose and you have value.
And if my story helps someone else feel less alone or more inspired to keep going — that would be more than enough.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/panaderia.contreras.bc
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/panaderiacontreras
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/panaderia-contreras-menifee
Image Credits
Estefania Galvez
