Meet Gomo Masilo

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gomo Masilo. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Gomo , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

I’ve learned to stay effective by staying true to who I am and keeping my focus on the goal. I don’t seek validation from others; instead, I find inspiration and motivation from within. That inner drive keeps me grounded and confident, even when I’m the only one in the room who looks like me. It reminds me that my presence has purpose and that I’m capable of creating impact just as I am.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m an award-winning pastry chef and the founder of Gomo Masilo, a brand dedicated to helping hospitality professionals solve everyday challenges in and out of the kitchen. My work brings together creativity, precision, and purpose whether it’s through curating pastry experiences, developing culinary concepts, or designing tools that help others work more efficiently and intentionally.

What excites me most about what I do is the process of creation transforming ideas into something that connects people through flavor, artistry, and emotion. Pastry allows me to express both discipline and imagination, and that balance is what keeps me inspired.

Through my brand, I’ve created products like a kitchen journal and The Sense of Urgency notebook, both designed to help professionals stay organized and connected to their craft. I’m also working on expanding into new projects that continue to celebrate the beauty of structure and creativity in the culinary world.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Discipline taught me consistency to keep showing up even when things get tough. In this industry, structure and focus are just as important as talent.
Creativity allowed me to express myself authentically and find new ways to tell stories through pastry. It’s what turns technique into art.
And resilience helped me stay grounded through the highs and lows of my career, especially when navigating spaces where I had to create my own path.

For anyone early in their journey, my advice is to invest in yourself learn the basics well, stay curious, and don’t rush the process. Discipline comes from routine, creativity grows when you give yourself room to explore, and resilience develops when you face challenges with purpose instead of fear. Every stage teaches you something valuable if you’re willing to grow through it.

We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?

I believe it’s important to go all in on your strengths, but with enough awareness to manage your weaknesses. Your strengths are what set you apart; they’re your natural advantage, the part of you that makes your work feel both effortless and impactful. When you double down on what you’re truly great at, you not only master your craft faster, but you also gain the confidence and clarity to create opportunities that align with your purpose.

In my journey as a pastry chef and entrepreneur, I realized early on that creativity, leadership, and problem-solving were my strongest qualities. I built my brand, Gomo Masilo, around those by helping hospitality professionals find solutions and offering tools like my Kitchen Journal and The Sense of Urgency notebook. Of course, there were areas I wasn’t as strong in, like the business and financial side of running a brand. Instead of trying to be great at everything, I learned to collaborate, delegate, and continuously learn just enough to make informed decisions.

So, my approach is to lead with your strengths and structure support around your weaknesses. That way, your energy stays focused where it creates the most value, and your growth feels authentic rather than forced.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gomo-masilo.com
• Instagram: gomo.masilo