Sisters-in-law Jessica Gutierrez and Ivana Hernandez may carry with them the dreams of generations past, but that pressure is what makes the strongest of diamonds. Coming to Canada as children was not without the expectation to succeed, but these two are not only fulfilling their own aspirations, they are also carving a path for future immigrant entrepreneurs. As business owners and full-time moms, these two have established a business that is built on love for their country, their cuisine, and their family. 

 

After years of being casual vendors at many of Toronto’s Latin American festivals, they moved to Ottawa and Delights by Mama came to full fruition. With Ivana graduating from Algonquin College’s Culinary Management program and Jessica having degrees in both sociology and business at Carleton University, they had the perfect recipe for their venture: a combination of passed-down knowledge of their traditional cuisine, and the Canadian education to thrive as professionals in this field. 

 

Looking for a way to supplement the household income, Jessica and Ivana launched Delights by Mama in 2023 as a catering service in Carp, Kinburn, and Arnprior. With scarce orders though, the two laugh about how their families became all too familiar with the weekly catering menu. Finding little luck in their local neighbourhood, they set their sights on Ottawa’s farmer’s markets. Stittsville’s Market At the Barn was the first to welcome Delights by Mama, and their empanadas were such a hit that they sold out in just two hours. 

 

After that success, Navan, Barrhaven, Richmond, and Carp fairs opened their doors to these two superstar mamas, and they’ve since soared to even greater heights. Delights by Mama was the second business to be featured in Immigrant Entrepreneur Canada’s Summer Retail Incubator in Byward Market, they are a regular at countless fairs and markets around the region, and now have a permanent stand in the TD Stadium at Lansdowne Park. 

 

But with all that success, what remains most important to them is their family. Delights by Mama has created opportunities for these mothers to work, play, and celebrate their accomplishments alongside their parents, husbands, and children. They are proof of what can happen with love and resilience, and while this may have started as a way to earn some extra cash, it’s clear that what they found is worth so much more.