Today we’d like to introduce you to Lilian And Yudit Portillo.
Hi Lilian and Yudit, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Our business was born out of necessity — a shared desire to create an extra source of income during a challenging time. The idea came from me, and my mom provided the initial capital to bring it to life. I was a student trying to cover my expenses, and my mom, a single mother, worked hard to cover hers.
With a mix of fear and hope, we launched a luxury snack cart service in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. We had no large network, no guarantees — just a dream and a willingness to work hard.
In the beginning, we worried that without connections, we wouldn’t get far. So, we decided to take a chance and sign up for local pop-ups, traveling to different cities around the area. It was at one of these pop-ups that someone asked us a simple but life-changing question:
“Do you cater mini pancakes for parties?”
Without hesitation, we said yes — even though it was something we’d never done before. That moment became a turning point. That client — whom we still remember with so much gratitude — was our first private booking.
Word started to spread. Guests who tried our mini pancakes began reaching out, asking us to be part of their own events. We made meaningful connections at every stop, and those relationships quickly turned into loyal customers.
Within just three months of starting at pop-ups, our calendar was fully booked with private events. What started as a way to make ends meet quickly grew into something bigger — a thriving business built on love, creativity, and connection.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Our journey with Tiny Tasty Sweets has been anything but easy. From the start, both my mom and I have continued to work full-time jobs Monday through Friday, while dedicating our weekends entirely to the business. It’s meant long days, late nights, and very little time for rest or family — but that’s the reality of entrepreneurship, especially when you’re building something from scratch.
Exhaustion has become part of the sacrifice. And like any business, we’ve faced our share of slow months. Those times test your mindset more than anything else. There have been moments when we’ve seriously questioned whether we could keep going — whether all the effort was worth it.
But then we remind ourselves: slow seasons are part of the process. They don’t mean failure — they’re just part of the rhythm of building something real and lasting.
That mindset has helped us stay grounded and motivated. Even when bookings are down, we keep showing up, we keep promoting, and we keep believing in our product and our purpose. Because we know that behind every challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger and reach someone new.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
From the very beginning, our mission has been to offer a one-of-a-kind experience that’s as memorable as it is delicious. What sets us apart is a perfect blend of innovation, exceptional quality, and unmatched customer service.
We were proud to be the first mini pancake cart in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to offer unlimited toppings per plate, with over 12 topping options always available. Our presentation isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s a reflection of the care we put into every detail.
Our pancakes are made entirely from scratch, using my mom’s special recipe — one she has lovingly perfected to ensure they’re soft, fluffy, and full of flavor.
On the creative side, with my background in custom apparel and a Cameo machine, we took things a step further by designing custom utensil toppers for each event, tailored to the theme. Our cart is also fully customizable, making it a showstopper wherever it goes.
But we didn’t stop there. Inspired by my mom’s vision to offer something for everyone, we’ve expanded our menu to include more than 10 sweet and savory services — making us your go-to vendor for all things dessert. Whether it’s a classic mini pancake plate or something completely unique, we bring a visually stunning and flavor-packed experience every time.
Our goal has always been simple: to create an unforgettable, visually appealing, and delicious experience that leaves a lasting impression and makes our brand instantly recognizable.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck has definitely played a role in our story — like being at the right place at the right time when we received our very first private event inquiry during a pop-up. But the truth is, that opportunity wouldn’t have come if we hadn’t taken the risk of putting ourselves out there.
In business, luck might open a door, but it’s preparation, persistence, and the courage to act that truly move things forward. What has kept those doors open is our dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence.
In life, I feel incredibly lucky to have a strong support system. My mom’s unwavering belief in this business helped turn a simple idea into something real and thriving. And my husband — always there to lend a hand, encourage us, and support the journey — has been an anchor through it all.
But beyond luck, it’s been resilience, learning from challenges, and the ability to adapt that have shaped our path.
To our amazing clients and every event organizer who has trusted us to be a part of your special moments — thank you. It’s truly our pleasure to help create unforgettable experiences with our delicious, creative, and innovative snack carts.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinytastysweets_?igsh=MWI5eDRkZWI3NnZ1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/198Y9kj5ev/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://linktr.ee/tinytastysweets?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZkU5vyV5jcGxg22vrLW-GsrGmTp9UPZxFparDus4Kp3tpd1HBBn_X1eVw_aem_55Wj4YwALI2VjLNcb8u6rw
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@tinytastysweets?_t=ZT-8vBfKFIgQYN&_r=1
