When I launched Vlania’s Tres Leches and Pastelería in June 2024, I had no idea what challenges awaited me—especially with my mini Tres Leches. There were branding struggles, market display dilemmas, and unexpected logistical hurdles. But through trial, error, and a bit of creative problem-solving, I found my way.
Finding My Brand Identity
When I first started my business, I relied solely on my own creativity and Canva skills to design my branding. Originally, I launched as Vlania’s Arts and Crafts before officially transitioning to Vlania’s Tres Leches and Pastelería, keeping the same retro-inspired aesthetic—black backgrounds with neon effects.
People liked it, and I was proud of what I had built. But then, one person made a comment that stuck with me:
"It doesn’t really make sense for a Tres Leches company."
That thought lingered in the back of my mind, and I think it opened an inch of thought that maybe my branding needed some change. Around the same time, I was working with Prospera USA, an organization that supports Hispanic entrepreneurs. My consultant, Karla, gently suggested a branding revision. I could tell she was mindful of how much time and effort I had already poured into my design, and I hesitated a little bit but agreed in the end.
My biggest concern? That my cartoon Vlania—the heart of my brand—might be taken away.
But thanks to Karla’s subtle guidance, I decided to take a leap of faith. That’s how I connected with WeThink Marketing Group. My contact person, Gio, became the bridge between me and their design team. After our first meeting, she presented my brand to their team, and to my surprise, they loved the cartoon version of me. They saw the versatility it brought to my branding and suggested refining it rather than replacing it.
The biggest change? Switching from a black background to a white one for a fresher, cleaner look. They also suggested modifying the character to reflect the company’s dessert theme—more specifically, Tres Leches.
When I saw the final branding kit, it took my breath away. It wasn’t just a design update; it was a shift in vision. Suddenly, I could see Vlania’s Tres Leches and Pastelería not just as a local venture, but as a national brand.
Keeping It Cool: The Refrigeration Challenge
One of my biggest fears from the very start was keeping my mini Tres Leches cakes at a temperature below 40°F while at the markets. This wasn’t just an operational challenge—it was a financial one. I didn’t think I had the money for a portable refrigeration system.
That’s when my problem-solving instincts kicked in. I started researching electric coolers and came across the ANKER Solix EverFrost 2, or as I sweetly call it—My EverFrost (romantic, right?). This cooler is made by one of my favorite companies, Anker, and after a month of debating, I finally had the capital to invest in it. It turned out to be one of the best business investments I’ve ever made.
The Retro Fridge That Changed Everything
As I was refining my branding, another challenge surfaced—my market display.
At my first markets, my table felt bare because my mini Tres Leches were hidden inside my cooler, buried in ice. The labels would get damaged from the melting ice, and it was a mess. I’d place one sample of each flavor on the table, but time and time again, people would walk by, confused about what I was selling. Some hesitated to approach—maybe out of curiosity, maybe out of shyness. Even so, they would still question what it was that I was selling, with my two mini Tres Leches sitting on the table, slowly melting away.
It was clear—I needed to rethink my market setup.
For months, I experimented with different display ideas, but nothing quite worked. I knew I wanted a refrigerated display—something that would keep my mini Tres Leches perfectly chilled and beautifully presented. But to make that happen, I needed a power supply. That’s when I went back to Anker’s website and found the power station that would make my vision a reality. Another worthy investment.
Then, in September 2024, out of sheer desperation, I pulled out my old mini retro Frigidaire fridge. At first, it was just a temporary fix while I figured out a better solution.
But then, something magical happened.
I grabbed a dry-erase marker and wrote on the fridge door: “Open me for FREE samples.”
It was an instant success.
People loved the fridge. Market-goers, my Pastelitos, and even passersby found it absolutely adorable. It wasn’t just a display—it became an experience. Imagine walking through a farmers market, expecting the usual booths and setups, and then you see this charming little fridge inviting you to open it—just like you would at home.
And inside?
A taste of something truly unique—mini Tres Leches in flavors you’d never expect.
Pistachio? Pineapple? Lavender-Lemon?
A rotating weekly menu with over 30 flavors? Fusion cuisine with Japanese-inspired sweets?
And on top of that, a warm, welcoming customer experience, inspired by the legendary hospitality of The Broadmoor Hotel.
Between My EverFrost, my Anker power station, and my retro fridge display, I finally had the perfect balance: functionality and experience.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
Reflecting on this journey, I realize that every challenge—every struggle to define my branding, every operational obstacle, every hesitant decision—has led to something greater. What started as a branding revision became a vision for national success. What started as a refrigeration problem became an interactive customer experience.
And that’s what makes Vlania’s Tres Leches and Pastelería special.
It’s a brand that evolves, innovates, and invites people into a world where dessert isn’t just dessert—it’s an experience.
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