Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Valenzuela.
Emily, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Emily Valenzuela, I started my small business in the summer of 2020. Halfway through the year after COVID-19 began. Most of us were stuck at home discovering things or ideas that would have not came across our minds pre-covid. I decided to gift my cousin chocolate-covered strawberries for her graduation that summer. Although I had never made them, I simply thought to myself how difficult could it be. I went to the grocery store grabbing the supplies I needed and got home straight to it. Very messy for the first time and indeed it was not as simple as I thought. In that moment I thought I had seen the most beautiful, dipped strawberries ever; my family loved them. However, looking back they only tasted the part. From that moment I decided to create an Instagram account to put myself out there. My family and friends shared to their friends that I was starting my own small business. Without having any pictures of my work, they still managed to trust me. I started to get orders; it was so exciting for me because a lot of the time it was up to me to create a set based on a few details. I loved doing freestyles, I had a free range. My Instagram content grew with more post and a greater following over time. I loved receiving any feedback good or bad. It helped me better my work. I started to practice and decided to expand my work. The world of treats is huge. From chocolate-covered strawberries I learned cheesecakes, to cake pops, to cupcakes, even floral arrangements. I am still in the works of practicing cakes. It all takes time. I have learned to trust the process more than anything. The biggest thing I have learned is that you will not get far without having patience. There will be weeks that pass without receiving orders and that is okay it happens. I encourage anyone to start their own business if it is something that they are truly passionate of.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Trial and error. Growth happens with practice a lot of sets do not come out perfect the first time. Finding just the right measurements for recipes was quite difficult, as well as finding all of the right products. For my strawberries getting each one just the right size sometimes requires going to several stores all around the DFW area. It is a lot of time that you have to make, nothing can be rushed. Learning how much temperatures plays into how products can take. Especially here in Texas with the heat. Everything needs to be cool, or it will melt. Around special holidays like Valentine’s Day, I overbooked and prepped several days before. It was draining but well worth it to see all of the happy clients and then later receiving messages with updates. I feel that is what is most rewarding, knowing that what I create brings joy to other people’s lives. I learned that I am only one person. With that being said I now only book the amount I know I can work with without feeling rushed.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Treatsby.em?
My small business is called Treatsby.em I specialize in sweets such as chocolate-covered strawberries, cake pops, cupcakes, bouquets, and cakes. I am most proud of all of the knowledge I learned. I never had a mentor or a guide to teach me where to learn techniques or where to get my products. I did my research a lot of the time. If you ask questions, you will not get a response, also a big thing I learned. When other small businesses reach out to me with those questions, I will always give them an honest answer. I think back to how I would’ve wanted to know. Your kindness to others will always multiply.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
I would have to say music is what helps me the most. While I work and I am on the go it motivates me everywhere. I listen to anything from Spanish music I love my culture. I am Hispanic my parents were born and raised in Durango, Mexico. So, my love for the music has evolved since my childhood. Some of my favorite artist/groups include Alacranes Musical, Bad Bunny, Calibre 50, George Strait a variety.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Treatsby.em
- Other: TikTok @emily.gisellee
