Gina Martorano took a setback in life and turned it into a positive. As a cancer survivor, she was looking for a path forward that would bring her joy and healing.
“I had cancer while pregnant with my daughter,” she said. “After she was born in 2014, my recovery was long and I needed to keep my mind busy and doing something I liked.”
She turned to her love of baking and began offering her services through her home-based business, Delicatessen by Gina. Martorano, who is an early childhood educator, had an eager base of moms who became her loyal clientele.
“I offer mainly custom cakes, cupcakes and cake pops, along with hand-painted cookies and other treats.”
Martorano hopes to take her business from home-based to a brick and mortar location one day. “I dream about opening a little coffee shop, a cozy place with good coffee and good sweet and savory treats.”
In the meantime, she continues to bring smiles with her custom creations. “I make people happy through my baking,” she said.
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Get to know Gina Martorano
Tell us about yourself!
I was born in Venezuela, and I’ve been in the US for around 20 years. I grew up in Venezuela, and then moved to Uruguay, where my parents are originally from.
Tell us about your family!
I am married to Rafael. He is a pharmacist, and he is from Peru. We have 2 kids. Sebastien (13) and Sofia (11). We have a Goldendoodle named Shadow. My parents also live nearby, and help me with the business and with the kids.
Tell us about your background!
I graduated from culinary art school in Uruguay. I am also a Montessori certified teacher. I work full time as a program director at Ann Arbor Children’s house Nido & YCC.
Dream vacation?
Any place that I can be with my family. One place I would love to visit is Italy. My grandparents emigrated from Italy to Uruguay.
If you could learn one skill or ability to master, what would it be?
Learn different languages, especially Italian and Portuguese.
Pick your favorite: Podcasts, books or movies?
Movies. My favorite movies are “La Vida Es Bella” and “P.S. I Love You”. (That was my first date with my now-husband!)
Any hobbies?
I love to draw, to swim, and to bake, of course!
You can be counted on to bring _____ to the potluck!
Something sweet, like a passion fruit mousse or some sort of dessert.
Favorite local restaurant?
Momo Sushi or New York Pizza Depot.
Any quotes or mottos that inspire you?
“Who doesn’t risk, doesn’t gain or doesn’t lose, but lives their lives thinking ‘what if?’”
What has surprised you about being a small business owner?
The power of social media. How amazing the mouth to mouth advertisement in social media can be, and how that helps grow the business.
Advices for mompreneurs who are thinking of starting their own business?
Just follow your dreams. No one says the path is easy. There will be bumps along the way, but with love and consistency in your project, nothing is impossible.
