Meet Yara Gil: Treat connoisseur

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

Hi Yara, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
This business is so unpredictable.. one moment you’re doing amazing, selling out like crazy, orders coming in constantly.. next, crickets. You make a handful of sales, no responses to posted products, and you struggle to move extra products you make. Every time I think to myself that maybe I should just throw in the towel, I get shown a huge amount of love from my social media followers, some that are customers, that show me that they stand behind me and my products. I also have an amazing support system such as my husband, kids, mother, and other family members that continuously push me and cheer me on telling me not to give up just because I’ve hit a bump in the road. Without this, I don’t think I’d have come as far as I have.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I work for a litigation service as my regular 9-5 job as a research assistant, but I also have my treat business, which is my proudest achievement. I started off making custom cookies, then added custom treats, then shifted to making chile candy (Mexican style spicy/sweet/sour candies), tea orbs, alcohol gummies (I call them BoozOsitos), churro cheesecakes, chile pickle cups, and seasonal items such as hot cocoa bombs, dipped strawberries, and breakable chocolate treats. I think what sets my business apart is flavor honestly. What I always hear from many of my customers especially is that my chile candies don’t taste like others they have tried. I pride myself on creating a unique chamoy sauce that doesn’t taste like the ones you buy at the store and a spice mix that isn’t so overpowering and hot like as if you’ve just ate lava. Honestly, I got to where I am today because of word of mouth from my amazing customers. They shout out my products, share my page, and have boosted me up so much. I thought for sure when the pandemic hit that my business was going to tank, but it was actually the opposite! It sky rocketed to heights I never imagined and it blows me away. I have been doing this for 8 years and it has not been easy at all, but it just keeps getting better in time because I never gave up no matter how much I wanted to. When I had my candy apple accident in 2016 where I received 3rd degree burns and nearly lost my hand, which now has permanent nerve damage, I could have shut it all down and said forget it.. it’s not worth it.. I didn’t. I love what I do too much. I love seeing people’s eyes light up when they try my products or getting messages from customers saying that they loved their orders.. it gives you a sense of pride and joy that you don’t by doing every day things. I learned that in this business, nothing is guaranteed. Like I said, this is an up and down business, but if you just keep at it and not give up, someone eventually will notice you and then doors start opening. I want everyone to know me, my name, my products, and my story.. and know I put my heart and soul into all my products and this business. I won’t ever give up until I get my products on a store shelf or a store front for everyone to enjoy everywhere.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My best friend would hate visiting me because I’m a homebody haha BUT if I were to take her out, I would definitely hit up Phoenicia downtown to grab a few goodies, cheese bread, and a shawarma sandwich. I’m middle eastern and I absolutely LOVE this place. It has a huge selection of middle eastern items that brings back memories of my childhood! But honestly, I love visiting places where various food trucks gather and grab a bite from a few of them. There are so many amazing unique foods being offered now by food trucks and it’s great when you’re on the go and can’t sit down to eat. Pre-pandemic, I would grab some tickets to watch the Houston Rockets, Texans, or Astros at Minute Maid Park or Toyota Center, and if they come during Rodeo season.. we would be there for sure. Top Golf is also a super fun place to have a few drinks, eat some yummy food, and have a blast playing a modernized version of golf. Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate this to my husband, kids, mom, and siblings.. without them.. I honestly wouldn’t be where I am right now with my business.

Website: www.yarasyummies.com

Instagram: yaras_yummies

Facebook: yarasyummies

Other: TikTok – Yara’s Yummies