For Mai Genato, business isn’t just about selling a product—it’s about serving people well.
As the owner and general manager of Must be Mom’s, Mai has spent the last 20 years growing a brand that’s become a household favorite for its signature ensaymadas and cheese rolls. But more than that, she has built a brand that celebrates the warmth, love, and authenticity of home-cooked meals—a tribute to her mother, Mila Gonzales, whose passion for food and family inspired it all.
In 2005, Mai and her sister made the bold decision to leave corporate careers behind and turn their mother’s homemade treats into a thriving business. Today, Must be Mom’s continues to embody the values they hold dear: faith, family, and food made from the heart.
Leading With Purpose and Resilience
For Mai, one of the biggest challenges of being a woman in business is balancing entrepreneurship with family life. Running a brand while staying present for her loved ones requires constant intention—but she has found that being her own boss allows her to shape her work around her life, and not the other way around.
She believes women shouldn’t have to choose between pursuing their dreams and caring for their families—they can do both, with grace, wisdom, and faith.
Lifting Others, Creating Impact
Mai’s journey has been shaped by incredible mentors—from her mother to corporate leaders at Unilever, where she learned the fundamentals of sales, marketing, and strategic leadership. Now, she pays it forward by mentoring fellow mompreneurs, speaking on business and entrepreneurship, and empowering the Must be Mom’s team to lead with excellence.
Her advice to aspiring women in business?
- Believe in your story – your unique perspective is your strength.
- Find unmet needs – big business ideas come from what people truly need.
- Know your numbers – a strong foundation will keep your business running.
- Dream boldly, pray fervently, and don’t give up easily – success comes to those who lead with heart.
Mai’s story is a reminder that business isn’t just about profit—it’s about purpose. And when built with love and intention, it becomes something that truly makes a difference.
