Today we’d like to introduce you to Liliana Salamanca.
Liliana, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in the food industry. My parents were one of the first people to have a food stand selling food in Humboldt Park. They began selling “tacos de canasta” my mother made at home. They quickly developed clientele and moved to Skinner Park by Whitney Young High School, selling steak tacos to the families and players of the Mexican Soccer Leagues that would gather there every weekend for games.
My mother loves to tell the story how, while being pregnant with me, she hoped to give birth on a Sunday, right after the weekend work grind was over, so she could be back at it the following weekend. And that’s exactly how it happened. I spent most of my childhood up until my teenage years helping my parents at the park every weekend.
I grew up helping my mother in the kitchen, watching her as she prepared meals for our family. Always in awe of how quick she was, and her natural ability to make the most delicious recipes without any cookbooks or measuring tools. She just had “el toque”. The touch, that no schooling ever gave her. She just had it. She learned from both my grandmothers, watching them in the kitchen as well.
Growing up and eating amazing meals by an amazing cook like my mother, has given me a pretty good palate and love for food. Not only enjoying a great meal dining out but being in the kitchen and cooking as well.
My flan journey began in 2009 shortly after having my first child. My mother was making flan for my brother’s restaurant, Cafe Con Leche Bucktown, and suggested I take over, as it could turn into a side business. Now, I must admit, I have never been a fan of flan. I always thought it was too eggy and didn’t like the texture. The only flan I ever enjoyed was my mother’s. She taught me her basic recipe saying the possibilities were endless.
I began making the flan for the restaurant and very quickly began getting great feedback from customers, which made me more comfortable and was doing it seamlessly. Weekly orders turned into special catering requests followed by other restaurant owners inquiries. I realized I need to solidify this business by coming up with a name. Sweet Lady Flan was born in the summer of 2013. I began distributing to restaurants and doing events. My first catering event was my biggest. I provided dessert for Marc Anthony’s “Maestro Care Gala” serving coconut and coffee flan to over 200 guests including him. He loved my flan and thanked me for all my work. It was the beginning of my journey and the boost of confidence I needed to continue on this path.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It definitely has its challenges. Any entrepreneur can tell you that there are no set hours, no set schedule. You are not working. I am a single mother which already has its struggles. My sons are my priority so everything I do, both baking and deliveries, is based on their schedule.
Being a woman entrepreneur is its own struggle. I feel that at times people don’t take you as seriously. They question you and your product, or they simply want a “deal”. Not realizing how much of your own money and time you invest in it. But for the most part, I have been blessed with wonderful friends and customers that continue to spread the word and believe in my product.
Sweet Lady Flan – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Sweet Lady Flan is a dessert business that specializes in the most traditional Latino dessert, flan. With over 50 flavors and counting, there is something for everyone. Signature and specialty flan made with nothing but love and the best ingredients create a creamy and delicious texture that no one can resist.
What I am most proud of is the feedback from customers. I love it most when it comes from a customer who has never liked flan, tried mine, and say it’s the best flan they ever had.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Everyone’s definition of success is different. For some, success might be a booming business and unlimited cash flow. For me, success comes from a deeper satisfaction of knowing you are doing what you love and are happy. It comes from always learning and trying to do better. “The measure of who we are is what we do with what we have”. Truer words have never been spoken. I may not have much, may not be the best, but you better believe that I won’t stop trying to get better.
Pricing:
- 8″ round signature flan- $25
- 8″ round specialty flan- $30
- 10″ round signature flan- $30
- 10″ round specialty flan- $35
- 12″ round signature flan- $45
- 12″ round specialty flan- $55
- 14″ round signature flan- $55
- 14″ round specialty flan- $65
Contact Info:
- Phone: 708.831.FLAN
- Email: liliana@sweetladyflan.com
- Instagram: @sweetladyflan
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sweetladyflan
- Twitter: @sweetladyflan
Image Credit:
Cuba 312
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