Photos: Paradigma Estudio - Tarcísio Razori
Lucas Machado, at just 24 years old, already boasts an impressive résumé. A student of Advertising and Public Relations at Unicesumar and an entrepreneur for nearly 10 years, he lives in Ponta Grossa, Paraná (BR). The city, located an hour from Curitiba, has been emerging as an attractive hub for investors and large companies.
Lucas's entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 16, driven by an entrepreneurial spirit inherited from his family. With a great passion for gastronomy, he founded Top Brownies, a bakery focused on brownies, which quickly won over the taste buds of residents of Ponta Grossa and several other Brazilian cities. Today, Top Brownies is a recognized name, with products distributed in more than 19 cities across Brazil. In addition to the famous brownies, the company has expanded its portfolio to include sweet and savory pies. To meet the growing demand, Top Brownies has established partnerships in various segments, with sales points in gas stations, restaurants, markets, and convenience stores.
The expansion plans don't stop there. Lucas plans to open a store in Ponta Grossa and is considering establishing a branch in Curitiba. This growth is driven not only by the quality of the products but also by Lucas's ability to innovate and adapt to market trends. His academic training has played a crucial role in the evolution of Top Brownies. He was already applying marketing strategies before starting college, but his pursuit of specialization led him to choose Advertising and Public Relations, further enhancing his skills and knowledge.
Throughout his journey, Lucas has faced numerous challenges. From the lack of initial structure to the need to establish credibility as a young entrepreneur, he has always sought new ideas and relied on a strong support network. His determination and strategic vision have allowed Top Brownies to become a success. Lucas has high expectations for the future. He envisions expanding Top Brownies to more cities and increasing sales points, always aiming to improve product quality and open a physical store in the near future.
In recent years, Lucas has intensified his involvement with influencers and events, especially in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, aiming to expand his business. He believes that influencer marketing is crucial for the growth of Top Brownies. The experiences he gained by creating and promoting his brand have strengthened his confidence and credibility, opening new opportunities in the market.
Check out the interview with Lucas Machado:
1. Lucas, at 16, you founded Top Brownies. What inspired you to start a business at such a young age, and why did you choose the confectionery field?
I come from a very entrepreneurial family; from a young age, I learned to negotiate, sell, collect payments, and so on! As I always enjoyed cooking, I started making brownies for family consumption and brought them to my friends to taste! I tried various recipes to experiment. But there were always people left without brownies, so I had to make more! One day, my mother thought I was spending too much and asked me to stop, and that’s when I had the idea to sell them! With her support, I started selling, and it was a success right from the beginning.
2. What were the main challenges you faced in expanding the company?
There were many challenges, from the lack of initial structure to establishing credibility at 17 years old. I had to come up with new ideas constantly, but step by step and with a strong support network, we managed to progress to where we are today.
3. You are studying Advertising and Public Relations at Unicesumar. How has your academic training influenced the management and marketing of Top Brownies?
I was already doing the marketing for Top Brownies even before starting the course. In fact, that’s what led me to choose Advertising and Public Relations, as I needed to specialize, learn, and find more tools to increase my sales and expand my company. So, today my course helps me to promote my brand!
4. With expansion plans for Curitiba and other cities, what are your expectations and goals for the growth of Top Brownies in the coming years?
We already have Top Brownies in various regions and are studying ways to expand to more cities! Our goal is to continually improve quality, increase the number of sales points, and perhaps open a physical store in the near future!
5. Your involvement with influencers and events has increased in recent years. How do you see the importance of influencer marketing for the growth of your business, and what are your goals in this field?
Top Brownies has certainly opened many doors for me. I believe that being able to create and promote a brand and stay in the market despite many challenges has helped me gain the trust and credibility I sought. This has made other brands bet on my work and achieve positive results through my influence. I plan to continue working and updating myself to elevate the name of Top Brownies as a company and my personal brand to help other brands that want to invest in my work!
6. What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs who want to start their own businesses, especially in the gastronomic field?
The first step is to love what you do so that work doesn't become a burden. Study and plan how it will function, surround yourself with competent people who want to grow with you! Don't be afraid to take risks and dream big, but at the same time, keep your feet on the ground to avoid getting lost along the way. Be prepared to face challenges, don't fear competition, which is often unfair in this field, and most importantly, work with a lot of love and dedication. That will always make the difference!
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