Today we’d like to introduce you to Salma Zuniga.
Hi Salma, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started my business when I was 15 years old in May 2020. Throughout the pandemic I was babysitting and with that money I started investing in my business making Manzana Locas. Once we were able to go back to school in August of 2021 I started selling dulces enchilados at school everyday. I was selling so much that even my brother joined and would sell my candies at his middle school. It was soon my senior year and there was no more selling in school, and instead I would do weekly or biweekly sales from home and everyone would pick up their snacks. In 2022 my sister got married and asked me to do her a fruit table for cocktail hour and that is what started my snack tables. I learned that I really enjoy putting it all together and seeing the finish look. Slowly adding so much to my business I soon added party decorations. My mom and aunt have always decorated and done everything themselves since we were all young so I thought it was a great idea to involve my mom. My sister and I are who help my mom decorate but she’s the one with the real touch, and I think it was a great touch to our business. Summer 2024 was my first summer that I was booked every weekend. It was a great feeling knowing people actually like what we do and they always book us again. Rather it is a snack table, personal snack, or decoration it’s always nice to know people see and like our work.
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?
Personally I would say it has been a smooth road for my business since the beginning. The only thing is that once it hits closer to winter our bookings get slower. We start to get back on track toward the end of March. My first pop up shop was in December 2021 in South East Dallas far from all my clientele. I was excited I took a lot to sell, stayed up late making brothers help me make dulces enchilados, and that day was freezing. We drove about forty minutes and didn’t sell more than $50, and that was because my family and boyfriend’s family had gone to support us. I stuck to areas closer to clientele, and times with better weather. As a small business it’s good to live and learn through our own mistakes.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Zuniga Snacks?
My name is Salma Zuniga and I am the owner of Zuniga Snacks. When I was 15 years old I started my small business but slowly started expanding services and it soon became a family business. My mom, sister, and brother have helped me get to where I am today and that is why I say it’s a family owned business. We are known for making personal snacks like dulces enchilados, fruta enchilada, snack tables and now for decorating as well. Every booking is a blessing because that means we are one step closer, so every moment is a proud moment to us. We are always willing to work around our client rather it’s budgeting, specific decorations, scheduling ect. We will make your idea come to reality.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice to anyone starting a small business of any kind is just have your eye on the big idea and keep going. Don’t be embarrassed of promoting your business because I promise you people are watching and listening. If someone told me at 15 years old that I would be booked every weekend for party events I wouldn’t believe it. It may not seem a lot to big businesses but to us every booking is a win. Having a positive mentality and ambition is key.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: zuniga.snacks
- Facebook: Zuniga Snacks
