Today we’d like to introduce you to Iliana Salmeron.
Hi Iliana, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Hello, my name is Iliana Salmeron and here’s a little bit about me before I share my business story. I’m originally from National City CA. and recently moved to Imperial Beach Ca. I’m a 35 year old Latina with 3 beautiful children Hannah 13, Mili 10, Miguel 3.
I have always had a passion for party planning, decorating and making treats. Friends and family would always tell me to sell my treats from home… So finally February 2020 H&M Sweets was born! Me and my oldest daughter started selling chocolate covered strawberries from home. We would get super excited if we would get 1 or 2 orders every month. Little by little those 1 or 2 orders every month started growing and growing and I started getting more creative and getting more orders and followers.
In the summertime, I added Aguas Frescas to my menu and they became a hit at pop ups… My Aguas Frescas are all made with fresh ingredients. The moment I knew my business was growing and I knew I wanted to continue doing this was in October for Halloween. I had orders and orders of chocolate covered strawberries every day I did nightmare before Christmas theme strawberries and they were an instant hit. I made a lot of different Halloween themes and I did discover a hidden talent I never knew about, drawing! I hand draw all my chocolate covered strawberries. It’s been a year since then and my business continues to grow.
We now have 2 vans, we do catering, events for special occasions, we do pop ups, Birrieria La Loteria sells our Aguas Frescas on the weekends. I couldn’t be more thankful and blessed for all my customers that have been with me since day one and all my new customers. And all the support from my family, my husband and especially my daughter Hannah she’s my business partner my right hand and everything I do is with her. I never thought that my little ideas would turn into this.. Dream big and never give up on your dreams ! Anything and everything is possible if you work hard.
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?
It was a challenge in the beginning to find customers and followers.
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 most known for my Aguas Frescas and my creative Custom design chocolate covered strawberries. What sets me apart from others is my flavor and creative talent.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Instagram helped me a lot to grow my business.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: H.and.m.sweets
