Today we’d like to introduce you to Jael Francisco.
Hi Jael, 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?
Papa’s Polvoron started as an idea and a hobby in the kitchen. It was started by Jael and Leilani, a husband and wife team. We were always preoccupied with our day jobs but we always dreamed of starting our own business. We didn’t have much to start, so we knew we had to come up with something we could make from our home and be able to sell locally. Inspired by Leilani’s father, who owned a bakery in the Philippines, we slowly started working during the weekends and weekdays after work, creating recipes for traditional and non-traditional flavors. What separates us from other polvoron makers are the unique flavors that have never been introduced by any other. As a Filipino-American, I wanted to create a Filipino-American fusion-type of shortbread with flavors not commonly found in the Philippines. We’re happy to say that our Toffee and Butter Pecan flavors have been amongst our most popular flavors!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Since we make our polvoron from home, we haven’t had too many expenses to start and get our business going. Luckily, we haven’t run into many problems along the way but we’ve run into the common issues every small business runs into. Having to wear multiple hats and manage all aspects of the business with just us two. While Jael is focused full time on the business and growing its brand, Leilani still works her day job full time. Having to manage things like inventory, marketing, and production are just a few things that we have to tackle on the day to day each week.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Prior to Papas Polvoron, Jael was a Sales and Marketing professional who worked corporate for companies in the technology, financial and biotech industry and focused on providing leads for sales teams and helping businesses with their marketing efforts. He has always had a drive for starting his own business, and is passionate about growing the brand of Papas Polvoron. He’s most proud of his family, friends and wife for supporting him in his efforts of building the business from scratch, and working on its future and growth. What separates him from others is his hard work, hustle and passion for his work. No matter what he’s focused on, he always tries to go beyond what is required to reach his goals. As a small business owner whose father was also an entrepreneur, he is determined to follow a family line of entrepreneurs knowing that success is not given, but earned.
Leilani is a health professional in the medical field working as a full time, registered Pharmacist. When she’s not in the pharmacy, she works as the Financial manager for Papas Polvoron and manages the business finances and inventory. She has an eye for numbers, and works to ensure that the business remains profitable and put in the right place for success. Leilani grew up in the Philippines and has the past experience of being exposed in a bakery setting. She often assisted her father, who owned a family-owned bakery in Zambales. What separates her from others is her highly meticulous and organized nature when it comes to her work. She puts a lot of emphasis in her work and always finds ways to make her job and her technician’s jobs more efficient and easier. She is most proud of her role as a Pharmacist in the medical field and helping her patients with their daily medication requests.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Our family and close friends have been our biggest supporters and cheerleaders in the success of our business. We love all of them for their appreciation, strong support and spreading the word of our business since day one.
Jael’s sister, Lori has a background in industrial design and produced the logo and design materials of Papas Polvoron. She is credited for her hours of work spent on drafting a plan for its brand. She also assists with social media and brand awareness for the business.
Pricing:
- Half dozen single flavor – $7
- Half dozen two flavors – $8
- Dozen single flavor – $13
- Mixed dozen – $14
- Catering – Visit website for prices
Contact Info:
- Email: Info@papaspolvoron.com
- Website: www.papaspolvoron.com
- Instagram: @papaspolvoron
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/papaspolvoron/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/papaspolvoron?lang=en
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/papas-polvoron-chula-vista
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