It all started like many things during the pandemic—scrolling through TikTok, passing the time while the world stood still. And then, I saw it. A video tutorial on how to make a Tres Leches cake. It was a simple clip, yet something about it sparked a thought deep within me: Could I actually make this?
I truly believe that God makes no mistakes. Every moment, every little sign, He places in our path for a reason. That video wasn’t random—it was the beginning of something bigger than I could have ever imagined.
A few days later, one of my best friends invited me over for a night of cooking and dining. I took it as the perfect opportunity to try my hand at baking my first-ever Tres Leches. I grabbed the ingredients, followed the steps, and to my surprise—this cake was forgiving. Unlike other desserts that require meticulous precision, Tres Leches embraced my inexperience. It gave me confidence, a feeling I hadn’t expected but desperately needed.
When my friend and I took that first bite, it was delicious. I was instantly transported back to my childhood, where Tres Leches was a centerpiece at celebrations, a symbol of joy and togetherness. In that moment, I knew—if I was going to specialize in baking anything, it had to be this.
Chasing Flavor
Sometime later, I had a frustrating experience that would unknowingly shape my business philosophy. I ordered a chocolate Tres Leches via Uber Eats, eager to indulge in what I imagined would be a rich, chocolatey experience. Instead, I was disappointed. The milk mixture completely overpowered the chocolate, making it taste like a regular vanilla Tres Leches. Where was the depth? The richness?
That experience fueled a new mission: I would create Tres Leches cakes that truly embodied their flavors. If I said it was chocolate, it would taste like chocolate. If it was lemon, you’d experience the perfect balance of zest and sweetness.
My first real attempt at a flavored Tres Leches was for my husband's birthday—a lemon variation. We all enjoyed it, but it didn’t get much fanfare. Months passed, and I experimented here and there, never fully realizing what was about to come.
Then, my mom made a request for her birthday: a pistachio Tres Leches cake. That cake changed everything.
The Turning Point
After my mom’s birthday, I noticed something interesting. My sister-in-law—who I later found out wasn’t a fan of Tres Leches—was secretly loving my creations. That alone was a win, but she took it a step further. In January 2024, she challenged me to make four Tres Leches cakes and bring them to her workplace. She confidently told me, "They’ll be a hit. They’ll be gone before lunchtime."
She was right.
That moment gave me the final push I needed. On March 1, 2024, I filed my LLC, officially establishing Vlania’s Tres Leches and Pastelería. By June 23, 2024, I began operations, bringing my vision to life.
And it all started with a TikTok video. 💜
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