Today we’d like to introduce you to Asia Lalas
Hi Asia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Champloo Sweets wasn’t even a thought when I first started baking. I’ve been at it since I was a kid, learning from my grandma and making desserts that brought everyone together.
As a first-generation Filipina American, starting a business wasn’t something I thought was in the cards for me. But in 2015, I decided to tackle macarons after seeing how pricey they were in bakeries. While working as a medical assistant, I started making them for fun and sharing them with friends and family. Eventually, I started selling them on the side, but it was inconsistent–like one thing every couple months inconsistent.
After dealing with work politics and feeling stuck in my job, my husband encouraged me to pursue macarons full-time in 2017. It wasn’t easy, but I hustled at Farmer’s Markets and kept pushing forward. I got a new job in 2019 to make up for the finances in between time, and we moved up to North County to be closer to that job.
Then the pandemic hit in 2020, throwing my plans for looking for a small shop into the trash. I operated until 2022 before I took a break to regroup and reassess. I reopened in January of this year, and I’m back and ready to go! While my physical store is on hold, I’ve got my online shop and shipping out macarons and cookies, I’m focused on growing my online presence, and working up to one pop up a week.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think the biggest struggle was learning how to time manage my business along with working my regular day job. You get better as you go, but it was rough at first. I was tired a lot and never got enough sleep, but still had to wake up and give it my all at my job.
Another struggle was learning how to price correctly. I was in and out of my kitchen, buying ingredients, running out, doing deliveries, etc. So, I was always wondering if my pricing was worth it.
The worst one that I think still comes up, even now, is the internal self-worth struggle. Sometimes, I suffer from impostor syndrome, and my brain asks me what about me is worth what I’m receiving.
I’ve conquered these now, but I’m not perfect! Bad days happen.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m an apartment manager as my day job, but I’m a full-time creative outside of that.
I run Champloo Sweets every single day. I’m filming, editing, posting, taking orders, baking, shipping out, etc. I specialize in French macarons, but I also offer other micro pastries such as mochi donuts and cookies. I’m currently working on a new product that’s really close to my heart and plan on releasing that in the summer!
I’m also a Yakuza/Like a Dragon streamer! I’m part of the SEGA stream team and livestream on Twitch 3-4 times a week. I go for about 3-4 hours during the work week, and my longest stream can last up to 6 hours on my days off.
I’m a money YouTuber, I’m working my way towards debt free for both me and my husband. I document my budgeting journey for others who are afraid to take the leap or don’t know how to take the first step towards financial freedom.
With each role that I have, I must manage my social media platforms and give myself a presence anywhere I can. Social media itself is a full-time job, but I get by with what I can produce!
What sets me apart has to be my passion, work ethic, tenacity, personality, and culture. I wake up every morning telling myself that I’ve got goals, and no one will do any of the tasks for me. I remind myself that it’s a blessing to be in this position, and I am my ancestors’ wildest dream.
I also have a whole support system from my husband, who has the cheer power of an entire sports team, and I’m grateful.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Not about me! But I think everyone needs to hear that if there’s anything they’re passionate about, side hustle or not, try it out at least once. If it’s something you love, it’s always worth pursuing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ko-fi.com/champloosweets
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/champloosweets/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/champloosweets/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/champloo-sweets-san-diego?osq=champloo+sweets
