How this Homeless Venezuelan Woman Builds Dubai's Best Cheese Cake Company | Dubai Heroes E02

Summary

Neo's journey from hardship to success is a story of resilience and passion. After losing everything in Venezuela, including her business, she moved to Dubai with her daughter in search of a better life. Despite struggles with finances and living conditions, she never gave up. Together with her partner, Ziko, they built 'Baking Dubai' from scratch, selling cheesecakes door-to-door. With relentless determination and support from Shura Business Setup, Neo’s business is now set to thrive. Her inspiring story shows that no dream is too small to grow, especially when fueled by passion and perseverance.

Takeaways

• 😀 Neo's journey began with struggles, from living on credit cards and facing utility cuts to overcoming financial challenges in Dubai.
• 😀 Despite hardship, Neo found solace and passion in baking, which eventually became the foundation of her business, Baking Dubai.
• 😀 Neo's first experience with baking at the age of 12 was inspired by a friend's offer to support her in selling cakes, marking the beginning of her entrepreneurial spirit.
• 😀 After closing an ice cream shop due to economic downturns in her hometown, Neo moved to Dubai with her daughter in search of better opportunities.
• 😀 In Dubai, Neo initially faced setbacks, struggling with real estate jobs and living on credit cards, before finding a way to make her dreams come true through baking.
• 😀 Neo faced tough living conditions, such as taking showers at the gym and relying on borrowed money to buy food when electricity and water were cut off.
• 😀 Her life changed when she met Ziko, a partner who shared her passion for business and eventually joined her in launching Baking Dubai.
• 😀 Baking Dubai started by selling cheesecakes door-to-door, office-to-office, with a focus on offering a personal touch and quality products.
• 😀 Despite challenges, the company began to gain traction, with their cheesecakes becoming a favorite among professionals in Dubai.
• 😀 Neo and Ziko worked tirelessly, walking over a million steps in one year, delivering cakes, and handling all aspects of the business themselves while keeping a positive outlook.
• 😀 Neo received crucial support from Shura Business Setup and Curly Tales, who helped provide legal, logistical, and branding services worth 30,000 dirhams, which will allow Baking Dubai to grow further.

Q & A

What was Neo's life like before starting Baking Dubai?

Before starting Baking Dubai, Neo faced significant challenges, including living on a credit card due to financial struggles. She went without electricity and water, even taking showers at the gym and sleeping with the door open to get AC from the corridor. Despite the hardship, she didn't give up and continued to push forward.

How did Neo's passion for baking start?

Neo's passion for baking started when she was just 12 years old. She loved making cakes and enjoyed seeing people's reactions when they tried her baked goods. A friend helped her get started by supporting her with ingredients, and she began selling cakes to neighbors with the help of her family.

What was the turning point for Neo when her ice cream shop business failed?

After opening an ice cream shop, Neo's business struggled when the economy in her city declined. People lost their jobs, and the sales stopped. She eventually had to close the shop and sell off assets to recover some money, which led her to move to Dubai in search of a better future.

What challenges did Neo face when she first arrived in Dubai?

Upon arriving in Dubai, Neo faced financial difficulties, including not being aware of the high renewal costs for her apartment. She struggled to find a job and went broke after six months, relying on credit cards and borrowing money. Eventually, her electricity and water were cut off, adding to the hardship.

How did Neo meet Ziko and how did they start working together?

Neo met Ziko while working in real estate. They initially worked together professionally, and over time, their connection deepened, leading to a romantic relationship. Both faced similar struggles in their respective careers and decided to start a business together, eventually founding Baking Dubai.

What inspired Neo to start Baking Dubai?

After struggling with financial hardships, Neo turned to baking again and realized that her cakes could be a successful business. She started selling cheesecakes door-to-door, one slice at a time, and soon realized the potential of turning this into a full-fledged business with Ziko's help.

What unique approach did Neo take to market her cheesecakes in Dubai?

Neo's approach to marketing her cheesecakes was unconventional for Dubai. She went door-to-door, visiting offices to sell her cakes one slice at a time. This direct and personal method surprised many people but helped her gain traction and establish her brand in a competitive market.

How did the community respond to Neo's cakes?

The community in Dubai responded positively to Neo's cakes, with many people praising the quality and flavor of her desserts. Her cakes quickly became a favorite among 9 to 5 professionals, and her persistence paid off as people began to support her business.

What role did Shura Business Setup play in Neo's journey?

Shura Business Setup provided crucial support to Neo by offering her business services worth 30,000 dirhams for free. They helped her with legal paperwork, business licenses, and other essential services that allowed her to focus on growing Baking Dubai and bringing her dream to life.

How did Neo feel when Shura Business Setup offered to help her business?

Neo was overwhelmed with gratitude when Shura Business Setup offered to help. She had been struggling financially and could not afford to pay for the services needed to grow her business. This support gave her renewed hope and the opportunity to take her business to the next level.