We were lucky to catch up with Emellid Rosaly recently and have shared our conversation below.

Emellid, appreciate you joining us today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

It was a typical day when I first received a message on Facebook that would change everything for me. The lady who reached out had seen a post about my fresh batch of secantes, those classic Puerto Rican treats that are so rare, you can hardly find them on the island anymore. Secantes— delicate fluffy vanilla-lemon squares topped of sugar-iced perfection—are a beloved nostalgic bite for many but a true specialty to make.

I had spent the past few years obsessively learning the recipe, tweaking and perfecting it. After all, these weren’t just any sweets. These were the kind of delicacies that carried memories of family gatherings and special celebrations. The secret, I realized, was in the care you put into each batch. I made it my mission to bring back that rare flavor.

So, when this lady sent her order, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement—and pressure. Was I truly ready for this? I had been making these for friends and family, but this was my first real sale. There was no turning back now.

She came to pick them up, her eyes lighting up the moment I handed her the box. She mentioned how she’d grown up eating secantes, how they brought back memories of home. As she tasted the first one, her face softened, and I could tell right away—this was it. I had created something special.

That moment was pivotal. It wasn’t just about making a sale; it was about connecting with someone over a shared love of a rare and cherished treat. It made me realize that maybe I was cut out for this after all. I wasn’t just selling treats. I was sharing a piece of history, a piece of home.

Emellid, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

This dream of mine didn’t begin with a single thought—it came from many. It started with a deep love for Puerto Rican treats, the kind that are seldom found and often forgotten. I wanted to revive those lesser-known sweets, the ones that deserve more love and recognition. But more than that, it came from a desire to create a life where I could earn a living while being there for my child.

I’ve always loved to bake, whether it was making something special for family gatherings or giving a sweet treat to friends just because. But the thought of turning this passion into a business? That wasn’t something I considered until recently. It wasn’t until I started seeing the joy on people’s faces when I handed them their orders or read their positive reviews that I realized this was more than a hobby—it was something I could share with the world. It’s moments like those, when someone truly appreciates the love I put into every bite, that make my entire week.

My lifelong dream has always been to open a bakery, a place where I could sell my treats, share my love for desserts, and bring something special to the community. Every single item I create is crafted with care, using recipes I’ve perfected over years of trial and error.

But the beginning of this journey wasn’t easy. Life wasn’t always kind. I lost my car in a hit-and-run caused by a drunk driver, and my husband was laid off from his job around the same time. There were moments when it felt like the world was against me. But I refused to give up. I knew I had to keep pushing forward—for my family and for my dream.

I’ve gone to countless farmers’ markets, waking up early and staying as late as 1 a.m. to make sure I could share my treats with those who would appreciate them. And through it all, I’ve enjoyed every second of it. Meeting new people, hearing their stories, and sharing something so personal to me has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.

As I look ahead, I’m filled with excitement and anticipation. The road isn’t always smooth, but I know that with every step I take, I’m moving closer to my goal. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes my family and this wonderful business. The future is bright, and I’m ready for whatever it holds.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

When I first started my business, I was eager to get the word out and make my products known. Like many new entrepreneurs, I turned to paid ads on Facebook, hoping they would help me reach more people. But what I quickly learned was that those ads mostly attracted bots and scammers, not customers who were genuinely interested in my treats. I realized that paying for ads wasn’t the way I wanted to grow my business—not when the return on investment wasn’t guaranteed and I could end up wasting money on fake leads.

Instead, I decided to take a more organic approach, one that allowed me to connect with my audience on a deeper level. I started by sharing my products in local Facebook groups, where I knew people who were interested in handmade, unique treats would be. I also made sure to put my social media handles on all my marketing materials at farmers markets, so people could easily find me online after seeing my products in person.

One of the best things I did was leave little cards with my social media info wherever I went. It might seem small, but it made a big difference in spreading the word. Every time someone took a card, it felt like another potential connection, another opportunity to share my story and passion for baking.

The journey hasn’t been about instant success or quick sales; it’s been about building trust, sharing my story, and connecting with people who appreciate what I do. And that, to me, is much more rewarding than paying for a fast, but uncertain, route to visibility. Building an audience organically means I get to grow my community the right way—through real relationships and word of mouth.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

Building a loyal customer base is about more than just offering great products—it’s about creating meaningful connections. One of the ways I do this is through my loyalty cards. Every time a customer makes a purchase, they get a stamp, and once they’ve filled up their card, they receive a special prize. It’s my way of saying thank you for their support and showing that I truly appreciate their business.

But loyalty doesn’t just come from rewards. It comes from how you treat people. I make it a point to treat every customer like a friend. Whether they’re purchasing something or not, I take the time to listen, chat, and get to know them. I believe that fostering a sense of community is just as important as offering delicious treats. Even if someone doesn’t buy anything, I’m still genuinely interested in their story, their day, and what’s going on in their lives.

This mutual respect and care go a long way in building trust. People can tell when you’re being authentic, and when they know you care about them as individuals—not just customers—they’ll keep coming back. For me, it’s not just about making a sale; it’s about building relationships that last, and it’s these relationships that truly foster loyalty.

This version emphasizes how you balance business with genuine human connection and how that makes your customers feel valued. It’s a great way to convey that loyalty isn’t just about rewards, but about fostering trust and community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bakesy.shop/b/the-snack-shack
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesnackshackofficial/profilecard/?igsh=MWliNmNqNHN2cWpxYw==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561333109233&mibextid=ZbWKwL

Image Credits

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