We recently connected with Guetty Antiste and have shared our conversation below.

Guetty, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

The primary mission of Empanada Assassin is to create a culinary experience that transcends the ordinary. At the heart of our business are the three core values of Nutrition, Network, and Nostalgia (3Ns). Our commitment is to craft empanadas that not only tantalize taste buds but also cater to a wide range of dietary requirements, with a strong emphasis on providing options for gluten-free individuals.

Empanada Assassin is not just any brand; it’s a unique culinary adventure that celebrates the love for delicious empanadas while staying true to our core values of Nutrition, Network, and Nostalgia. These values are not just words; they are the guiding principles that shape our company’s culture.

Nutrition: We take pride in offering a diverse range of empanada dough and flavor combinations that cater to various dietary restrictions. Our dedication is particularly crucial as the demand for healthier food options continues to rise, driven by factors like gluten-free (GF) allergies, including celiac disease.

Network: We recognize the importance of fostering connections and opening up conversations that bridge cultural gaps. Empanada Assassin achieves this by collaborating with local suppliers and producers, thereby supporting local businesses and nurturing a sense of community.

Nostalgia: We leverage the Nostalgia core value to craft memorable experiences. Our seasonal or limited-time empanada flavors are carefully designed to evoke cherished memories. By celebrating our heritage, stories, traditions, and sharing our unique flavor combinations, we forge a profound emotional connection with our customers.

Our mission goes beyond food; it’s about creating connections, fostering a sense of belonging, and sharing stories through the universal language of delicious empanadas. We aim to not only satisfy appetites but also nourish the soul, bridging cultures and spreading joy with every bite.

Guetty, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi, I’m Guetty Antiste, the culinary artist behind Empanada Assassin. I’ve embarked on a flavorful journey as the gluten-free empanada plug, bringing together my passion for delicious food and a commitment to the 3Ns:Nutrition, Network, and Nostalgia. Empanada Assassin is a flavorful journey rooted in Haitian and Martinique heritage. We specialize in crafting over 30 unique empanada flavors ranging from breakfast to our dessert line PiePanada (Your favorite pie inside an empanada)

Gluten-Free Journey:

Empanada Assassin’s journey into gluten-free empanadas began with a quest to fill a gap in the market. Starting with a diverse range of empanadas, the focus shifted to gluten-free options due to an encounter with a dear friend, Julia, who struggles with celiac disease.She longed for gluten-free options and approached the Assassin for an alternative. Initially, gluten-free wasn’t on our menu, but as our bond with Julia deepened, we saw an opportunity to bring joy and nostalgia to her through our empanadas. When the pandemic struck, we found ourselves elbow-deep in gluten-free flour, learning how to bake, experimenting, researching, and perfecting our recipes. Our gluten-free dough, fondly named The JuJu after Julia, received an overwhelming response, altering the course of our brand. It shifted the focus towards becoming champions for those craving delicious, gluten-free options.The brand aims to unite people through food, believing that everyone deserves the delight of a flavorful, safe-to-eat empanada. Empanadas, traditionally a communal food, resonates deeply with the Assassin’s vision of fostering connections. Our commitment extended beyond taste; it was about inclusivity and community. We sought to ensure that the gluten-free community didn’t miss out on the joy of sharing a delightful empanada among friends and family. Our pursuit to lead the market for gluten-free empanadas isn’t just a business choice; it’s a heartfelt endeavor to ensure everyone can savor the joy of a delectable empanada, regardless of dietary restrictions.

At the heart of the brand is our innovative Empanadas & Mindfulness workshops that are designed to promote well-being by encouraging mindfulness practices alongside the enjoyment of empanadas. These workshops offer individuals a chance to be more present, reduce stress, and find moments of relaxation while learning how to make empanadas. In an increasingly fast-paced world, these sessions can have a positive impact on mental health and overall quality of life. By providing a space for individuals to connect with themselves and others, we aim to contribute to the emotional well-being of our customers and the communities we serve.

We sought to ensure that the gluten-free community didn’t miss out on the joy of sharing a delightful empanada among friends and family. Our pursuit to lead the market for gluten-free empanadas isn’t just a business choice; it’s a heartfelt endeavor to ensure everyone can savor the joy of a delectable empanada, regardless of dietary restrictions.

How did you build your audience on social media?

As the Empanada Assassin, my journey from a humble labor of love for friends and family to a growing audience began with a simple decision – to just post. For over a decade, I had been crafting empanadas, yet the idea of sharing them beyond my close circle seemed daunting.

Initially, I found myself caught in the trap of waiting for the perfect concept or idea to showcase my empanadas. However, when I finally took the plunge and started sharing without overthinking, something incredible happened. I realized that my audience wasn’t concerned with fancy equipment or elaborate presentations. What they craved was the sheer joy of making, sharing, and savoring empanadas.

The turning point came when I decided to step out from behind the camera and reveal the face behind the brand – mine. People connected more deeply when they could see the genuine enjoyment on my face and witness the passion that went into each creation. It was a shift from perfection to authenticity.

What added another layer of validation to my journey was the remarkable gesture of someone tattooing my logo on their arm out of pure love and gratitude for the empanadas. This act not only showcased the impact of my brand but also solidified it in a way I hadn’t imagined. I remember saying to myself, “Wow! This has to become a dream. People are tattooing the logo, a symbol of love and flavor, onto their bodies, ensuring its presence for years to come.”

For too long, I had hidden in the shadows, dimming my own light. When I finally let go of my insecurities about my accent and the tone of my voice, everything changed. I realized that my unique qualities were my strengths, not weaknesses. It’s a realization many others can relate to, as we often find ourselves hiding our greatest aspects from the world.

Now, I’ve embraced the idea of showing up as myself. My face is my brand, my voice sets the rhythm, and my personality is woven into every pocket of deliciousness. Even on days when I don’t feel like it, I show up because I understand the impact my story and authenticity can have on others. You never know the difference your testimony can make or the shift it might inspire in someone else. And that’s why, despite any reservations, I continue to share the joy, flavor, and love of my empanadas with the world.

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

Recently,I left a stable corporate job of 12 years to pursue my dream with Empanada Assassin full-time was a leap of faith. For years, I’d toyed with the idea, always held back by concerns about financial stability, family obligations, and my own confidence in sustaining a business.

Despite setting yearly goals to break free, something always held me back. The turning point came when I realized that waiting for the perfect moment might mean waiting forever. The desire to make a difference and my passion to make a difference became stronger than the fear of financial uncertainty.

With my sights set on independence, I began exploring alternatives to traditional funding. I tapped into resources available to small businesses, applying for grants and participating in pitch competitions to bootstrap Empanada Assassin. Surprisingly, my mom, whom I expected to caution me against leaving the security of a stable job, turned out to be my biggest supporter. She invested in my initial operational cost, helping secure the kitchen space I needed to launch.

Rather than seeking external investors, I’ve focused on grassroots growth. Numerous resources and organizations exist to assist small businesses like mine in earning and growing their capital. The journey has been both scary and adventurous—watching the capital grow while making a meaningful impact on the world. It’s a testament to the heart and potential of my business, proving that with determination and the right support, dreams can become reality.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.empanadaassassin.com
• Instagram: Empanada_Assassin
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100086536122276
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/empanada-assassin-warren