Maria de Lourdes "Lulu" Sobrino

An entrepreneur at heart, Lulu Sobrino’s first business was in the tourism industry in Mexico City and later expanded to a travel agency with locations in Mexico and Los Angeles. Unfortunately, Lulu had to close her Mexican travel business due to unstable economic conditions in Mexico; however, her entrepreneurial spirit grew stronger and she began to explore other passions and ideas.

Lulu came up with the great idea of ready-to-eat gelatin when she discovered that despite its presence as a staple food in her native Mexico, the concept was new to the U.S. and a novelty when she introduced it to American grocers in California in 1982. From the initial production of 300 cups of gelatin a day, Lulu’s has overcome many challenges and obstacles to become a leading maker of ready-to-eat desserts.  

Lulu is the author of Thriving Latina Entrepreneurs in America and has been invited to share her story to speak, educate and motivate Hispanic entrepreneurs with their dreams of starting their own businesses. Recently, Lulu relocated her operation to San Antonio, Texas in order to be closer to her core customers and to explore export opportunities.