Venezuelan Woman Builds Healthy Bakery Empire After Diabetes Diagnosis in Miami
A life-altering diagnosis at age 25 spurred Loly Bergoderi to prioritize her health and, launch a thriving business. After receiving a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, Bergoderi opened a bakery in Miami focused on eliminating chemical preservatives and adopting a healthier lifestyle.
From Diagnosis to Determination
Bergoderi’s health journey began with a commitment to understanding and managing her condition. She learned to integrate glucose control with both exercise and mindful eating. “Since my diabetes diagnosis, health stopped being just an interest and became a mission of life,” she stated in an interview with Caracol Radio.
This dedication led her to pursue formal training, becoming certified as a Personal Trainer and Sports Nutrition Specialist by the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) in 2019. She then created the @fitbyloly Instagram account, now boasting over 18,000 followers, where she shares exercise routines and health advice.
Addressing a Gap in the Market
Driven by her own needs, Bergoderi began searching for carbohydrate sources that wouldn’t negatively impact her glucose levels. Finding existing products filled with hidden ingredients and refined sugars, she decided to create her own alternatives, starting in her home kitchen with real, whole ingredients.
This experimentation, combined with training from industry leaders like Jordi Morera and Yusel Montelongo, and five years of focused study on sourdough techniques, culminated in the 2021 launch of Simple Food Gourmet. The bakery is built around four core principles.
Simple Food Gourmet has gained a following of over 16,000 on Instagram and collaborates with other Miami bakeries, including the Mercado del Club de la Carne, as well as distributors Meat Town and Tienda Basket.
A Mission Beyond Baking
Bergoderi extends her commitment to health beyond the bakery, using her social media platforms to share information about glucose control and insulin pump usage. She views her health journey not just as personal improvement, but as a broader “mission of life.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Loly Bergoderi to start her own bakery?
Loly Bergoderi started her own bakery after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and finding a lack of suitable carbohydrate options in the market that didn’t contain hidden ingredients or refined sugars.
What qualifications does Loly Bergoderi hold?
Loly Bergoderi is a certified Personal Trainer and Sports Nutrition Specialist, having received her certification from the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) in 2019.
How does Simple Food Gourmet collaborate with other businesses?
Simple Food Gourmet collaborates with other bakeries in Miami, such as the Mercado del Club de la Carne, and distributes products through Meat Town and Tienda Basket.
How might a personal health challenge inspire innovation and entrepreneurship in others?