Episode Details

In this episode of the Veterans Growing America Podcast, Coach R.L. Simmons and Donnell Johns sit down with Hector and Gia Paz, the owners of Gia’s Bakery. Hector is a U.S. Army veteran (30+ years of service, retired Colonel), and Gia is a military spouse originally from Honduras with a deep entrepreneurial drive and a gift for baking that turned into a fast-growing business.

They share a real behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build something from scratch—especially when you’re learning as you go, operating out of a home kitchen, and still pushing forward even after multiple failures.

Gia opens up about learning sourdough the hard way (failed starters, trial-and-error, and patience), and how the first big “yes” from the community became the moment she realized: this wasn’t just a hobby—this was a business.

Hector breaks down how military values like determination, discipline, loyalty, and resilience translate directly into entrepreneurship—and why Veterans Growing America became the right community for them to grow in.

Episode highlights:

• Hector’s 30+ year Army career and how he and Gia met overseas
• Turning repeated failures into consistency and confidence
• The real sourdough process (26–30 hours per loaf) and why quality takes time
• Top sellers at Gia’s Bakery: artisan sourdough, flavored loaves, cinnamon rolls, cookies, bagels, and more
• Building a business from a home kitchen while working through licensing and growth steps
• Why community matters: the VGA difference and what support really looks like
• Key lessons for new entrepreneurs: start small, keep moving, don’t rush the “run,” and use fear as fuel

Where to find Gia’s Bakery:

• In-person: Veterans Growing America (VGA) — Saturdays, 12 PM–6 PM (and expanding)
• Facebook: Gia’s Bakery
• Instagram: Gia’s Bakery
• Website: Available via their social pages for menu + pre-orders

Connect with the hosts:
Coach R.L. Simmons (Your Money GOAT)

• Free financial audit + simplified money strategy: yourmoneygoat.com

Veterans Growing America:

• Website + vendor directory: veteransgrowingamerica.com
• Visit the VGA Marketplace (Woodbridge, VA – Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center)

If you’re a veteran, spouse, or aspiring entrepreneur trying to turn a skill into a business, this episode is your reminder: you don’t have to start perfect—you just have to keep going.

Like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs motivation rooted in real experience—and if you’re in the DMV, go taste why Gia’s Bakery is becoming a weekly destination.