Today we’d like to introduce you to Rose Malihan.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started eating gluten free for health reasons more than ten years ago. At the time, I was also a runner, then branched out to duathlons, and eventually, triathlons. Swimming in the open water was terrifying, but I managed to overcome it! Being an endurance triathlete was fun, but I also knew that strength and lean muscle were important for healthy aging. I wasn’t a fast runner, biker, or swimmer, but maybe I could be strong. With the help of my boyfriend, I learned how to powerlift (squat, bench, and deadlift). Then, I also learned about who I considered strong and what they ate. That is how I found the Paleo diet.
I also wanted to eat healthier and be strong for my young daughter. I wanted to show her that even though we were not very tall (both being of full Filipino descent), we could still be strong and make a difference.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I love desserts! I had a bunch of recipes that were gluten-free that I now wanted to convert to Paleo (no gluten, grains, dairy, soy, or refined sugars). It was a challenge experimenting with flours and sweeteners. There were some fails, but overall, I have enjoyed trying out different Paleo friendly baking ingredients and recipes. The best part was sharing with friends and receiving constructive feedback. Plus, I didn’t want to eat a whole recipe of cookies by myself!
This past fall, I was very busy with getting started in markets and pop-ups, while still training for a USPA Powerlifting meet. It was a lot of work, and I almost backed out because I was having too much fun with the business, but I pulled through and competed on Nov. 10 at Iron Mongers Gym in Vista. I managed to set State records for Masters (age 40+) and my weight class (48kg) for all three lifts, and a National record for deadlifting.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Petite Paleo Bakery – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
We specialize in Paleo inspired desserts and make everything in our licensed home bakery. All of our desserts, wraps, and Keto rolls are free of gluten, grains, dairy, soy, and refined sugars. Our sweeteners are coconut sugar, dates or honey. We also try to use local and organic ingredients as much as possible. For example, sometimes we bake with organic fruit from our Be Wise CSA box. We love making a difference with growing families who have dietary needs and those who live healthy, active lifestyles. One of my favorite things about doing events, is when a customer approaches our booth, and they say they are avoiding one of the ingredients that we do not use, and I reply with, “Then, you can have everything here!” It is especially heartwarming when kids who cannot have certain ingredients are able to walk away with something they can enjoy.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Customers can find us at the 4S Del Sur Community Market, which will return on Feb. 10, 2019. We also have an online store and do events and pop-up markets around San Diego. We are just starting out, but we are excited about the growth and positive feedback we have received thus far. We love being out in the community, meeting customers, and sharing our passion for healthier dessert options! Our menu changes, so keep in touch with us to see what we’re baking. It may be a Paleo version of your favorite dessert!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.PetitePaleoBakery.com
- Phone: 858-208-3540
- Email: aloha@PetitePaleoBakery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petitepaleobakery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PetitePaleoBakery/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/petite-paleo-bakery-san-diego
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
