Meet Rosana Rivera of Chef Rosana!

To celebrate 5 years of Babe Crafted, we commissioned a custom illustration of each amazing member who has been with us for five years! Here’s Rosana’s beautiful illustration by Maureen Horan.

Hiya! I’m so pumped to introduce you to an incredible business owner today. Rosana Rivera of Chef Rosana and I have been friends since meeting in 2015 at a Creative Loafing event where she and her now Husband, Chef Ricardo Castro were showcasing one of their dishes.

Fast forward to today, and not only has she launched a new lifestyle brand, but she’s also the first Latina to Beat Bobby Flay! She’s a super kind, humble, talented AF woman who always has words of encouragement to share. Enjoy take a peek into her story and the moves she plans to make in her business. xo -Gina

Rosana Rivera of Chef Rosana // Here she is posing with her signature Beef Empanadas that Beat Bobby Flay in 2019

How would you describe the last 5 years as a business owner?

These past 5 years have been the years of reinvention. Lots of ups and downs that have made me refocus, pivot, change and grow in entirely different directions while at the same time, still continue to do what I love to do which is make people happy through food. I have transformed from being a restaurant owner to becoming a service & product brand.

“The past 5 years have made me refocus, pivot, change and grow in entirely different directions while at the same time, still continue to do what I love to do which is make people happy through food. ”

— Rosana Rivera

Rosana leading a cookie decorating workshop at our second member even ever in February of 2019 // Photo by The Dashing Ginger

What’s your proudest accomplishment (so far!)?

There's so many things to be grateful, proud and accomplished. In general, I am super proud of rising from a pandemic successfully and growing a brand by 180% at the end of 2022. I feel super accomplished in being able to make an impact in 5 cities along the East Coast, teaching multiple cooking classes, shipping product across the nation & growing my social media presence 10 fold, among other things.

Rosana speaking on a panel of amazing, local women in the food and beverage industry at our Galentine’s Breakfast in 2019. From Left to Right: Rosana Rivera of Chef Rosana, Liz Anthony of Liza Anthony Nutrition, and Tonya Donati of Mother Kombucha // Photo by Christina Jones Photography

What are you excited to accomplish in the next 5 years?

I am looking forward to grow my business as an e-commerce retailer and transition my business to become a lifestyle brand. I want to grow my social media and TV presence even further and continue to find authentic brands to collaborate with. Finally, my 5 year goal is to finally publish a book and YouTube channel.

Rosana sharing cookie decorating tips at our Galentine’s themed workshop at Bee Studios in Downtown St. Pete in February of 2022 // Photo by Ashlee Hamon Photography

How has being a part of Babe Crafted impacted you?

BC for me is fellowship, first and foremost. It is encouraging to spend time and learn from other female entrepreneurs that are on the same journey as I am. I love sharing and inspiring stories that will make us all successful.