Meet Marie | Owner of Tumbao58

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

Hi Marie, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind the success of my brand is staying true to my roots and my culture. Tumbao58 isn’t just about Venezuelan food—it’s about bringing flavor, rhythm, and heart to everything we serve. I’ve worked hard to make every arepa, every dish, feel like a piece of home, even in a new country. On top of that, consistency, perseverance, and a deep love for what I do have helped me keep going—even on the hard days. I think people can feel that passion when they taste the food or talk to me about the business.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Before starting Tumbao58, I spent over 19 years working as a Sales Executive with Johnson & Johnson and Colgate Palmolive in my home country. This experience taught me how to understand customer needs, build strong relationships, and communicate the value of a product. Those skills have been incredibly valuable in building my business.

When I first arrived in the U.S., language was a challenge for me, but it didn’t stop me. I saw it as an opportunity to grow. To adapt, I started working in Parma district school cafeterias, where I could immerse myself in the food industry, learn about the local food scene, and build new skills. That experience helped me bridge the gap between my past career in sales and my future as a business owner, allowing me to learn the ropes of running a food business while still connecting with my community.”

Having worked in both corporate and food industries, I now bring a unique perspective to my business. I use the customer-focused approach I learned at Johnson & Johnson and Colgate Palmolive while applying the hands-on knowledge gained from working in local cafeterias. This combination of experiences has been key to the success of Tumbao58.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Welcome to the area!
• Morning: Start with a cozy breakfast at a local café, like The Dahlia Coffee for some great coffee and laid-back vibes with the owner who is my friend.
• Afternoon: Head over to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo or the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to get a feel for the local culture.
• Evening: Treat your friend to Tumbao58 for a taste of home. Share your story behind the food and let them experience your Venezuelan dishes firsthand.

Day 2: Dive into Cleveland’s culture
• Morning: Breakfast at Jossi’s Bakery for a relaxed start to the day.
• Afternoon: Visit the Cleveland Museum of Art or West Side Market, and take a walk through Edgewater Park for some fresh air and views of Lake Erie.
• Evening: Head to Barroco for a delicious dinner. The vibrant atmosphere and fantastic menu will make for a great night out!

Day 3: Nature and local gems
• Morning: Enjoy a peaceful morning at Cleveland Botanical Garden or Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
• Afternoon: Visit a local food truck festival or farmers market for a fun, casual experience.
• Evening: For drinks, check out Platform Beer Co. in Ohio City or any of the local breweries for a more relaxed vibe. Then, head to Tumbao58 for a late dinner or new items on the menu.

Day 4: Iconic Cleveland experiences
• Morning: Spend the morning exploring Playhouse Square, especially if there’s a performance you can catch.
• Afternoon: Explore neighborhoods like Tremont, Ohio City or Detroit Shoreway for cool shops, galleries, and local spots.
• Evening: Try dinner at La Pecora Pizzeria, known for its creative Italian food, or Amazonia for something unique.

Day 5: Hidden gems and local favorites
• Morning: Casual breakfast at my home followed by a visit to a peaceful park or the Cleveland Botanical Gardens.
• Afternoon: Visit Cleveland’s farmers market or browse local shops for one-of-a-kind finds or spend the day in the Amish County
• Evening: Enjoy an evening at Quinta Escencia for classy cocktails and then catch live music.
Day 6: Get out of town
• Day trip: Take a short trip to Lakewood or Chagrin Falls for quaint shops, scenic views, and a relaxing vibe.
• Evening: Have dinner in a cozy spot at the Brazilian Restaurant Batuqui or a small local gem, before heading back to the city.

Day 7: Relax and reflect
• Morning: Head to Edgewater Park to enjoy a quiet morning by the lake.
• Afternoon: Spend the day revisiting favorite spots, shopping for souvenirs, and reflecting on a week full of new memories.
• Evening: End the trip with a final dinner at Tumbao58 to celebrate everything you’ve experienced together.

What do you think? Is there anything else you’d want to swap or add in?

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely—there are so many people and moments that have helped shape Tumbao58. First, I want to shout out my kids Thomas and Mathias my parents Jorge and Mariela, They’ve been my biggest motivation, and even when things get tough, they remind me why I keep pushing forward. I also want to recognize the immigrant community and all the Latina entrepreneurs who’ve walked similar paths—we lift each other up, and I’ve learned so much from their strength and resilience. And finally, I’m grateful to My husband Hiram, the mentors, programs, and organizations that believed in me even when I was just starting out. Their guidance helped me grow not just as a businesswoman, but as a person

Website: https://www.tumbao58.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tumbao58?igsh=bWp1a2lpcmV5MXgx&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
Marielis Navarro