Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriela Avila
Hi Gabriela, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The inspiration for The Berry Stand came when I started seeing TikTok videos of the famous Borough Market. One video showed a stand where vendors sold strawberries drizzled in rich Belgian milk chocolate, the same type of chocolate I now use. The simplicity and elegance of their offerings struck a chord with me, and I couldn’t stop thinking about how I could bring something similar—with my own twist—to my community. Alongside chocolate-drizzled strawberries, I thought that adding strawberries and cream would be another great hit.
At the time, my job was right around the corner from the farmers market. I’d walk through it, dreaming of having my own stand one day. I envisioned my own little tent, a menu filled with strawberries drizzled in rich Belgian chocolate, caramel, and topped with cookie crumbs or whipped cream.
My first setup was a humble tent at the farmers market, with a simple banner that read “The Berry Stand.” That banner was a gift from my best friend, and seeing it for the first time made me emotional—I thought, “It’s happening… it’s finally happening!”
Looking back, I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come, and I couldn’t have done it without the unwavering support of the people around me. My family, boyfriend, friends, Debby, and even the market staff have all played a huge role in my journey. The Berry Stand began with a dream, and it continues to grow thanks to the amazing people around me.
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?
Not exactly, at least not in the beginning. One of the biggest challenges i faced was finding the right documents and gathering all the permits needed to start the business. I had little to no experience and navigating the requirements felt overwhelming.
I spent countless hours researching, making phone calls, and double checking that everything was in order.
Despite the challenges, the journey has been incredibly rewarding!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m incredibly proud of my small business and what makes The Berry Stand truly unique. I firmly believe that presentation plays a huge role, alongside delivering exceptional flavor, of course!
With a pink, clean, and fun aesthetic, my stand is designed to stand out at any market and create a memorable experience for every customer.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Throughout the entire process, my family and friends were my mentors. Their guidance, encouragement, and belief in me made all the difference. They shared their advice, helped me brainstorm solutions, and provided unwavering support during the toughest moments.
Their mentorship gave me the confidence to overcome obstacles and stay focused.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.berry.stand?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564801796157&mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.berry.stand?_t=ZT-8tQ4Q7X8GAI&_r=1
