We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Elisa Milan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Elisa below.

Elisa , appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear how you think where to draw the line in terms of asking friends and family to support your business – what’s okay and what’s over the line?

One of the biggest misconceptions about opening a business is that your friends and family will be your biggest supporters and loyal customer base, but more times than not, they aren’t. And there are no hard feelings because I’ve realized that everyone will not see your vision, and that’s okay because, again, it’s YOURS! It’s hard for people to see God’s vision for you. Also, it is essential to consider whether they are your target customer or if you feel entitled to their support because of your relationship. Sometimes the reality of our expectations is ugly, and entitlement will leave you in a dark place. Focus your energy on figuring out who your audience is and the billions of people you can touch. Allow people, including family and friends, to support you genuinely and not out of obligation.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Elisa Milan, ‘The Empanada Lady,’ is a single mother and full-time Extreprenuer which no formal training in the kitchen. Instead, she utilizes only family recipes passed down from her grandmother with a love that was given in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, and is hand rolled into each savory empanada. Since 2016, she has created a cultural haven in the heart of Baltimore City supported by minorities, artists, and creatives, where she and her team have been able to shed light on the need for communal spaces dedicated to experiencing and engaging in rich cultural practices.

We currently offer a variety of empanadas ranging from Veggie to Crab. We pride ourselves on being inclusive to all, including a vegan option on our menu. We at The Empanada Lady strive to provide an experience using a trifecta: The brick-and-mortar location, off-site catering services, and third-party delivery through apps like Uber Eats and Grub Hub.

Through our positive impact: by providing delicious and authentic empanadas, we also fuse the food experience with the culture to connect to our people within the community.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

What began as a simple dare/challenge that I, Elisa Milan, affectionately known as “The Empanada Lady,” could not make money selling food evolved into a passion and love for providing my grandmother’s authentic Puerto Rican recipes to bridge the gap between the Afro-Latinx culture and Baltimore’s dynamic community. The Empanada Lady’s unique storytelling experience has created a connection with the people and is what contributes to our continued success and rapid growth. We also run a weekly event called ‘Nada Average Tuesday,’ where customers can learn more about blending the culture and the community and continue to spread the word.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

I didn’t have a traditional start. I never imagined a bet that I couldn’t make money selling food would turn into what it is today. In 2016 I took on the challenge and used mama’s traditional Pastelillo recipe, which unsurprisingly sold out. It was my side hustle while still working at the MBON. When the state did not renew my contract, I started selling empanadas out of my house with only $200 from my mother, and I’ve been able to flip it a hundred thousand times with the people’s love and a sense of home for Afro-Latina people.

So much so we now require a bigger space with more rooms because the family is growing, and we have a lot of cousins in the community eager to experience the cultural haven I have created through delicious authentic food and communal love.

We seek funding as ‘The Empanada Lady’ wants to accomplish and fulfill its mission of providing food, community outreach, and support via expansion. Go to our website https://www.theempanadalady.shop to support our current initiative and pull up for some delicious, savory Nadas!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.theempanadalady.shop
• Instagram: instagram.com/the_empanada_lady
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEmpanadaLady
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-empanada-lady-baltimore

Image Credits
Elisa and her Mama Elisa and her team (Chef Ericka, Dorrian, Elisa, Rich, Xanthe)