Rubi's Recipe for Success: Catching Up with Food Fellow Alum Rubi

Rubi, a Food Fellow alum from the Class of 2024, has turned her passion for baking into a thriving small business. While still in high school, she launched Sweets by Rubi—a dessert venture that blends creative twists with the traditional flavors of her Mexican American heritage. What began as a personal passion has grown into something much bigger, fueled by dedication, consistency, and strong community roots. We caught up with Rubi to hear more about her journey, what she’s learned, and what’s ahead for Sweets by Rubi.

You started Sweets by Rubi while you were still in high school; what inspired you to take on such a challenge? 

What inspired me to start this business while still in high school was my proactive mindset. I’ve always believed that if I don’t take the initiative now, then when? That drive to start early and pursue my passion without waiting for the 'perfect' time is what pushed me to take this step.

What’s been the most exciting or rewarding part of running your own business so far?

The most exciting part of my business is seeing people’s reactions when they try my desserts. It’s incredibly meaningful to me—those moments of genuine enjoyment remind me that all the hard work has been worth it.

Overnight Biscoff Cookie — provided by Rubi

What skills have helped you both start and develop your business? 

The skills that have been most valuable in starting and developing my business are patience and consistency. When I first started, I thought success would come quickly, but reality set in fast. That experience motivated me to commit to daily practice, and over time, I’ve seen real progress and growth in both my skills and my business.

What advice would you give to current Food Fellows or other young people with big ideas for starting their own business? 

My biggest piece of advice to fellow food entrepreneurs or anyone starting their own business is: don’t give up. It’s easy to feel discouraged, especially in the beginning when things don’t always go as planned or when progress feels slow. But it’s important to stay focused and keep pushing forward. Success doesn’t happen overnight—it's the result of hard work, persistence, and learning from your mistakes. There will be challenges along the way, but if you stay dedicated and passionate about what you’re doing, the results will come. Hard work truly pays off. 

Chocolate Covered Strawberries — provide by Rubi

What’s next for you, and your business?

My next plans for my business focus on growth and increasing visibility. Right now, I’m working on promoting it as much as possible through different strategies. This includes staying active on social media platforms to reach a wider audience, sharing behind-the-scenes content, engaging with followers, and showcasing my desserts. I also plan to use more traditional marketing methods, like distributing flyers locally and participating in community events or pop-ups. My goal is to build a strong brand presence both online and in my community, so more people can experience the unique flavors and creativity I bring to my desserts.

How can our community support you right now?

My community can support me by following and sharing my content on social media, and by simply spreading the word about my business. Word-of-mouth plays a powerful role in helping small businesses grow, especially in the early stages. Every like, share, comment, or recommendation helps increase my visibility and reach new potential customers. I truly believe that community support doesn’t always have to be financial—just taking a moment to support and promote my work can make a big difference. That kind of encouragement means a lot to me and motivates me to keep growing and improving. 

Instagram , Facebook , and Tik Tok . @sweetzbyrubi 

Business Phone number : 317-572-5406

Tres Leches Strawberry Shortcake — provided by Rubi