Today we’d like to introduce you to Samantha K. Regalado.
Samantha, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It’s in the Filling! was born October 10, 2012.
The summer of 2011 I had just finished my degree in Professional Cooking and Baking, I decided to back for my Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management. In a last minute life changing moment, my move to Hayward, California was cancelled and I had to move my classes to online full time. It’s in the Filling was born in the midst of all my life chaos and here we are (ALMOST) 9 years later.
The journey has been by far one of the most difficult, challenging, fun and amazing all wrapped in one.
The first year was challenging to put it in nice words, I got 2 orders. An Oreo and Strawberry cake and one Super Mario’s cake. A lot of giving out samples and learning how to balance a new business and 5 online classes in a quarter system. In 2012, social media templates were not what they are today, businesses relied on word of mouth and walking the miles to pass out flyers, business cards and making A LOT of samples. Those were the days.
October 2013, I was ready to close. I had just talked to my mom about selling my inventory when I got the call that ultimately changed my life and the path of It’s in the Filling! I can’t recall if it was the mother of the groom or the bride that was diagnosed with terminal cancer and they had decided to push up the wedding. The original baker refused to work with them and they found me. I was $100.00 short to make a payment and that’s what I quoted, 2 tiered cake, lemon and pumpkin, white and silver colors. No real design they left that to me. I delivered the cake the next day and a week later I received a $500.00 check thanking me for helping them on such short notice. I’m a firm believer of good karma because next thing I know, orders for the holidays start flooding in and like they say the rest of history.
Not saying that it’s been in a walk in the park but it’s definitely been worth it. I’ve been invited to participate in multiple large events: San Diego Pride, Chula Vista Lemon Festival, Chula Vista Starlight Parade and BonitaFest to name a few. I’ve been on various news stations and newspaper articles, and have managed to grow my business in the last 9 years but especially during the most challenging year of our lives.
I’ve been able to grow and been given opportunities to learn from some of the best pastry chefs in the world. Just recently I traveled to Guadalajara, Jalisco and took a desserts 4 day course at La Postreria GDL owned by Jesus Escalera and Fernanda Covarrubias. Best experience ever. I’ve been part of life celebrations, I’ve grown not only as a business owner but as a woman learning to navigate in a world that is predominantly ran by men. It’s in the Filling has not only allowed me to become independent but it’s taught me all about perseverance, adaptability and strength.
9 years later, I can only thank my parents for never giving up on me and allowing me to keep working on my dreams. My brother for giving up his home for me to work, pack and handle deliveries from. My late grandfather who always watched me work in amazement and reminded me to never give up. Oh how I miss that man but I know that he’s proud of how far I’ve come. I also thank my fiancée for being the peace to my storm and always reminding me that giving up is not an option.
My clients for their love and support, it’s been one of the craziest rides of my life but I’m thankful for my support team, my clients who’ve become friends, the good and the bad. Everything had played a part in making me who I am today!
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?
Now those I can talk about for DAYS! Being your own boss is all fun until you realize everything you are truly responsible for.
Even then, with all the struggles, challenges, days of unknown, empty bank accounts and thoughts of just wanting to quit everything I’ve been through these last 9 years, have made me stronger and more determined to keep getting myself up and have shaped me to be the business owner I am today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I pride in homemade, fresh, from scratch baked goods! All cake batters, fillings and frostings made to match and enhance the experience of the flavor.
If I had to pick two items I’m known for now, it would be my tres leches and my Mazapan cupcakes! I am proud of how much I’ve grown as a pastry chef, the comfort I feel while in the kitchen. Throwing ideas together and seeing them come to life is definitely something I’m proud of.
My cupcakes! Every bite is a true experience of the flavor. For example, my Mazapan cupcake is a Mazapan cake, filled with our homemade Mazapan Chocolate cream filling, topped with our homemade Mazapan buttercream which is then covered in Mazapan candy crumb and topped off in a whole Mazapan candy! Every bite is a burst of Mazapan flavor!
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
When I first started the business I definitely didn’t take the risks I take today! I am a true believer that this is something you feel more comfortable doing with time.
I’ve invested all my savings back into my business and it has paid off tenfold, now I understand not everyone is comfortable with taking such big risks but without risk you will never know and living with the ‘what if..’ is harder. I’ve learned that life is full of chances and opportunities, the worst thing that can happen is that it doesn’t work out but the experience and what you learn from it is what makes it worthwhile.
Contact Info:
- Email: itsinthefilling@icloud.com
- Website: www.itsinthefilling.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/itsinthefilling
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/itsinthefilling1
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/its-in-the-filling-national-city
