Meet Jeannette Valenzuela | Owner and director of Gil’s Sweet Abilities and Inclusion INC

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

Hi Jeannette, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
I would say that I am very driven by integrity with the Mission and goal of my business. I see many other businesses or people say they are working with disabled adults and in fact, they are not. I live 24 X 7 with an autistic adult and really know where he is struggling, and I want to give him and his peers the chance to learn and have fulfilling employment.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is currently a super small home bakery that I run on the side with my almost 21 year old autistic son. ( I work a full time day job as well as a Human Resource manager) Our goal is to have a brick and mortar one day where we can give adults with unique abilities and inclusive place to work. This business would help find how each individual can contribute and give a fulfilling employment experience. For now, we operate out of our home in Whittier. We are licensed with the LA county with a cottage food permit.
We specialize in good, old-fashioned cookies, treats, cinnamon rolls, brownies, pies, cake pops, cupcakes and more! We don’t do fancy decorative treats but will make you smile when you close your eyes and bite a piece of a fresh cinnamon roll. Everything is made from scratch with love and inclusion!
I have always baked and would have my son Gilbert help me in some way. One day after he graduated from High School, I was having him help me bake some cookies and he asked me to buy him something. I let him know he could earn some money by helping bake more cookies and then we just went from there and Gil’s Sweet Abilities and Inclusion Inc was born.

One thing that I would say sets us apart from other similar businesses is that we are doing the work. We are really a true small business with zero start up funds. That has been very challenging. Navigating the red tape and business side of things . It is not easy and not fun.
This is all a true starting at the bottom story. We are just watering the seeds that were planted and we are just seeing the first signs of growth. The sky is the limit!
I would want the world to know that Gil is thriving from this business, Gil has learned more about money management, social skills, responsibilities and he is happy!! He is the secret ingredient!!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Fun! I would definitely find some good places to eat, some places to hang out and people watch, get some fresh air and just have a great time.

I would take my friend to see the local beaches, maybe go have some breakfast at Schooner or Laters in Seal Beach and rent a paddle board for a few hours and paddle around the bay.
I may take my friend to the local mountains and see the Big Bear Zoo and have Thelma’s for breakfast.
I would absolutely love to take someone to experience downtown Los Angeles and have some soft tacos in Olvera street.
There are so many places to go in the area. Depending on the time of year and if they had kiddos or not, maybe even get on a boat and head to Catalina Island for the day!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Wow! Where do I start? I have so many people that have been impactful of the progress that has been made in our little business. I want to thank my dear friend Joy Astle. Joy has been a HUGE supporter of my business. SHe has really helped to promote and support me. She actually invited us (my autistic son and I) to be a part of a local Law Enforcement training on autism, several years ago. At this training we met City of Industry’s Mayor, Corry Moss who has become another dear friend. Corry is a mother of a teenager with autism. Corry has opened many doors for us and we were featured on KCAL-9 and CBS news thanks to her. I would also say that the community of special needs families has been another impactful supporter. The goal is that all of our kiddos will be able to have a place to work that understands their unique abilities and needs. So, this is really benefiting all of this. Out of all of this, I would need to give proper credit and appreciation to my family. My husband just shakes his head and says ok to all of my wild ideas and he is behind the scenes with our other son who is bagging, packaging, delivering or whatever we need him to do. It is a family business in every way! Their support gives me the strength to keep my head above water in this business and in life! They are my world!

Instagram: @gils_sweet_abilities

Twitter: Gilssweetabilities

Facebook: Gil’s sweet abilities formally J-licious

Yelp: Gil’s Sweet Abilities

Image Credits
These pics were taken by myself