Today we’d like to introduce you to Phyllis Masaya.
Hi Phyllis, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Phyllis Masaya-Kerley & I’m founder & owner of Masarap Lumpia, a Filipino Soul Food & Filipino Fusion catering company that provides tons of Vegan & Plant-Based options in Ventura County.
We have been a licensed business since 2009. This business was really created out of the need to find employment after graduating CSUSM. The economy was tanking & many jobs & companies were closing & leaving California. After 6 months of trying to find a job, I created my own & started the business November 2009.
I went to bed desperate but determined to find a solution. In a dream, my mother told me to do what came naturally to me & create a job from that. The very next day, we started Masarap Lumpia & by the end of the week we were a registered & licensed business.
Within 1 month we were getting clients from all the word-of-mouth business from our natural network & the use of social media! It was amazing to get all this support.
Masarap Lumpia allowed me to make money when jobs were out of reach. When I was finally able to lock in a job, catering on the side allowed me to make ends meet.
In March 2020, when the whole World was locked down & I was laid off my local government job, I pivoted to making masks that were shipped all over the country through the help of advertising on social media. I did that for about 3 months & then clients were contacting me to make plates & combos, which I had never done. I had always done large catering. But I made adjustments. Then when I kept getting followers & clients, I decided to do this full-time & not return to my job.
I created the a line of Vegan Filipino Desserts & then created a variety box… the Original Vegan Ube Dessert Box, which gained a HUGE VEGAN following of its own.
When 2021 arrive, I decided to hire a business coach to get to the next level & it was the best move I could have ever made.
I created a campaign called “50 States in 90 Days” to push my sales & although I knew the chances of reaching 50 states in 90 days was slim, I still got further than I ever thought! My desserts have reached 22 states across the country & Canada!
13 years later, we are still here & better than ever! And I’m determined to never work for anyone but myself! I’m proof that if you have a dream, take action & ask for help from your friends, family & acquaintances the Universe will deliver.
Please help support our small, locally, woman-owned business!
Our socials are…
IG @Masarap_Lumpia
FB @MasarapLumpia805
Email: MasarapLumpia@hotmail.com
Text Orders to (805)889-3177
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, far from it. And it hasn’t been a straight road either. There have been many twists & turns.
I really had no idea that I would end up as a caterer & event planner, but this is exactly what I believe I’m meant to do at the time.
This has been a fun journey now that I have a better sense of my purpose.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the creator & owner of Masarap Lumpia, a Filipino Soul Food catering company, with tons of Vegan & Plant-Based options.
I specialize in Vegan Filipino food.
My vegan line of Ube Desserts & my vegan desserts in general is what I’m the most proud of.
I’m the creator of the original Vegan Ube Dessert Boxes.
My desserts are beloved not only by my vegan clients but even my omnivore clients. Everyone loves my desserts, but especially my Vegan Salted Ube Brownies.
I think what sets me apart I’d how I can spit a problem in businesses, not just my own, and I can find creative solutions to fix them.
I’ve been able to make suggestions & help others make tweaks in their business to improve their ability to make more money. Not only am I a small business owner, but I consult as well.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
My family, husband, community & leaving a legacy while helping others.
My father, Danilo Masaya, founded a non-profit organization called, Pililla Club of America, in Oxnard in 1981. Since that time, I have been immersed in the non-profit World. In the almost 23 years since its existence, I have seen my dad & his non-profit accomplish so much, but more importantly, all the lives he has impacted.
I want to do the same.
Pricing:
- Vegan Salted Ube Brownies $33/Dozen
- Impossible Lumpia $85/100 Pack
- Veggie Lumpia $90/Full Tray
- Flavors of the Philippines Vegan Dessert Box $110
- Fiesta Package $525 – Feeds 25-30 people
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/Masarap_Lumpia
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/MasarapLumpia805
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=8AWl0TPYNdsNGcVOnKKngA&utm_source=ishare
Image Credits
Phyllis Masaya
