Inspiring Conversations with Melenie Perez of Sweets By Mel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melenie Perez.

Hi Melenie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
It started with an idea. I was a stay-at-home mom at the time and I wanted something that I can turn into a lifestyle. I started working again and wasn’t able to start anything. Fast forward a little over a year, I made my nephew’s birthday snack table. I made Dulces Enchilados and antojitos. They were a HIT! At the party, I got so many compliments from my family and guests that attended. I felt so much joy. I then got a promotion at work in which I made friends and I showed them what I had made.

They were all so impressed and excited to try my candy. They ended up placing orders with me. To be clear I had nothing. No packaging, candy, etc. this was all pure talk. Till I got the orders! I knew I had to start it up. It gave me that extra push I needed to start my own business. Not going to lie it was tough. And at times it still was. I have had good and bad weeks. With a full-time job and being a full-time mom/wife, it was hard. I want to be able to build this business and stop my full-time job. I want to be able to stay home with my daughter and see her grow and show her that anything is possible.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has not been smooth. The most struggle I think would have to be my time management. I am a full-time mom, wife, and employee. Working 11-12 hours and on top of coming home I would have to make orders that were for pick up and even delivery!

There were times when I would sit and cry because of how exhausted I was. Luckily, my husband has been such a great support system and has helped me tremendously.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My business is called Sweets By Mel I specialize in making Dulces Enchilados (chamoy candy). What sets me aside from others Is the flavor of my Chile powder. From the beginning of planning out my products, I experimented with my ingredients.

I’ve tried other candies but I was never satisfied with others’ work. Although I did always support other small businesses that I could. With every order I have I always try to perfect everything from making the packaging neat to covering every single candy with Chamoy and Chile.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Both good and bad luck has played a role in my business and life. At the beginning of starting my business like any new one, I struggled to have any customers. It was a terrible feeling that I felt like I was not doing the best I could to attract them. Aside from working on my business, I was a full-time Logistics Specialist at Amazon. That’s where the luck came in.

My coworkers really helped motivate me and they added that extra support system that I had. They placed orders almost every single day of the week. Even their family members ordered from me. It felt great to have them tell their family about my candy.

Pricing:

• Xlarge Dulces $13
• Large dulces $8
• Small dulces $3
• Pickle Enchilados $13
• Chamoy pickle Kits $15

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/sweets.by.mel.99?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweets.by.mel.99?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://linktr.ee/sweetsbymel.99?fbclid=PAAaaLZtakXVYLkfDR3GqoWbb1HpDzzJWPVwRnkd62CL64YGWkoZrR0HgPKHI