Ariela Gorodzinsky of ZIBARI on founding a premium purveyor of authentic culinary foods from around the world

Describe your business in a few words:

I grew up in Mexico City. Four years ago, I moved to New York to study for my masters in Food Studies at NYU. 

Two years ago, I moved to Miami and founded ZIBARI. A premium purveyor of authentic culinary foods from around the world, offering a diverse range of iconic international cuisines.

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

I grew up in Mexico City. I did my undergrad in International Business. When I graduated, I started working in a food distribution company called Tendencia Gastronomica; back then, I discovered I had a passion for food. I worked there for seven years, became a partner in the company, and developed Zaphron, the company’s private label, which now has more than 100 products. While working there, I co-founded Le MUST, a company of organic gourmet condiments. 

With these experiences, I decided to keep being an entrepreneur in the food industry and create ZIBARI.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

Not really, and I was scared when I started. But every day, I am more convinced that it was a great idea, with all the challenges that being one involves.

Take us back to when you first launched your business, what was your marketing strategy to get the word out, and did it go as planned?

We started with Amazon and Social Media. It is working, but I would like to do more things on the marketing side.

What is the accomplishment you are the most proud of to date?

Creating the brand and getting 40 different SKUs out there.

Do you believe in work/life balance? What are some of your best tips?

I do. I think it is essential to have a balance. My best tip would be to have a schedule. Respect the times when you are not working and learn to enjoy your free time to disconnect from work.

What have you achieved recently that you’d like to celebrate with our community?

Selling on WM.com and being more involved in the sales process. It was an area that I was never really familiar with; even if it’s a challenge, I want to be more on top of it.

What’s next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

Starting to open big accounts with retail chains. To get Zibari across the country and not just on online platforms.

What excites you about being an Entreprenista League member?

I’ve always loved to connect with people from different backgrounds, and now, being an entrepreneur, it excites me to meet more women going through the same path and helping them in any way I can.

Learn more about the Entreprenista League and join today!