Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauda Flores. She and her team share their story with us below:
Sno Con Amor founder Lauda Flores grew up in the kitchen of her Mom and Dad’s ice cream parlor, Los Alpes Paleteria, in Huntington Park. From the age of 8, she has been making Mexican paletas (popsicles), sno cones, & homemade ice cream with unique flavor innovations.
At the age of 18, Lauda stepped out on her own and became the youngest restaurateur in DTLA with the opening of her first entrepreneurial food venture, La Marimba Mexican Cuisine located in the heart of downtown on Spring Street.
After four years, she joined the entertainment industry where she spent over a decade working alongside industry icons including her former employers, Salma Hayek and music legend Rod Temperton.
Eventually, Lauda found herself longing for these childhood novelties and was inspired to bring raspados, traditional Mexican sno cones, to the streets of Los Angeles but with a wholesome twist! “With all that Mother Nature has to offer, why go with the artificial stuff?”
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No way, it has not been smooth, LOL.
Being a mobile vendor/caterer comes with unpredictable challenges: it’s physically demanding work in constantly changing environments.
Having to wear all of the hats myself due to not having the financial support to hire help and resources has been the number one setback.
Also, not only do we make a niche product, it falls under three of the hardest categories, it’s seasonal, it’s frozen, and it’s a novelty item.
It’s been quite the ride building our place in the market outside of our loyal customer base. However, excited to announce that we have begun to go retail with our Sno Pops starting at local boutique grocery shops and hotels!!!
We’ve been impressed with Sno con Amor, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Since 2010, Sno con Amor has been dedicated to offering honest to goodness Sno Cones and Sno Pops, handcrafted from fresh fruit, berries, herbs and flower infusions. Free from artificial flavors, colors or refined sugar.
We are a community-based, woman/minority-owned, eco-friendly, second-generation business with over 40 years of experience. Serving our long-time customers at the Hollywood Farmers Market and catering both small and large scale events throughout LA where you might’ve seen us slinging sno cones at Dodger Stadium, Santa Anita Race Track, Coachella and beyond… catering available https://www.snoconamor.com/catering.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
JUST DO IT! Don’t be too precious, don’t waste too much time getting it perfect, work out the numbers and just open the doors! Also, don’t be afraid to apply for grants. There are a lot more opportunities now than ever for loans, grants and accelerator programs.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.snoconamor.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snoconamor/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sno-con-amor-los-angeles
Image Credits
Photographer Cara Elise Taylor (personal photo and photo of 3 friends laying down eating pops)
