Conversations with Elaine Arevalo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elaine Arevalo.

Hi elaine, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
It all started with me living with my roommates at the time in our apartment in Fremont , Ca needing more out of life from myself and for myself . I wanted something to call mines & so I began making chocolate covered strawberries . It’s so funny because I like to challenge myself by not searching up any ingredients or recipes just full on winging it and so the chocolate was super balky , after 3 attempts I finally got the perfect consistency & by the time I looked up , I found myself in Michael’s getting edible decor , glitter etc. I shifted back to LA as a full adult – being that when I left I was unsure about who I was , insecure , not confident & escaping what my reality has been for my teens years & beginning adulthood . But it was the Bay Area that truly enhanced the progression of who I am today , the woman I look in the mirror and see who has the opportunity to dream & be confident in just that itself . I said let’s expand the menu and let me give more of myself into something I call “business” . My grandmother would call me “lelita”as a little girl & so I said “ELÌTA” will be my elevated rebranded name although I’m known as “elainesweettreats” . I truly believe GOD placed me on this earth to share my abilities with every human who finds some type of joy through my food , conversation , or just my existence overall in flavor .

I hold my own pop up’s through LA so specifically in the Crenshaw District just a few doors down from Earle’s Hot Dogs . Earle’s was the first black owned business that seen my hustle on a quiet sunday & sponsored my following event . Since then I’ve had LATryGuy – try my food out and I’m slowly but surely making “ELÌTA” a household staple in my community , though out Los Angeles & so on . I serve a variety of options such as my • Big Mama Tostadas , • Mamíta Fried Shrimp Tacos , • Sweet E’s Lemonade , • Peach Punch Kool-Aid , • • Grilled Jerk Wings + Mac & Cheese with Rasta Cabbage , lastly my desserts such as my Golden Shortcake Cups with 3 flavors including OG Oreo , Biscoff & a Strawberry Cinnamon Golden Oreo . Everything is fresh , farmers market fresh & truly made with my ancestors love instilled into me . From eating my mom’s tostadas out the truck at soak city because everything was so expensive to creating my own legacy & flavors inspired by my roots as a Salvadoran & creole woman .

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?
Realistically speaking , this journey hasn’t been the easiest since it’s just me , cooking , serving , prepping , taking orders , restocking items , setting up etc . Challenges I’ve faced have been setting up for one location & it doesn’t work out the way I intended but I am someone who relies heavily on Faith & so I’ve trusted GOD throughout this entire journey of packing up my life and having to start over but this time with just me & him . I wouldn’t want it no other way because through every hard day , I’ve been awarded with gods grace and him sending me actual angels who brighten up my day and end up selling me completely OUT . Days like that , make every challenge or “struggle” worth it . This is something I’ve always wanted to do but being younger I thought I wouldn’t be taken serious , no one would support me but my GOD always led me to something greater later . Let me put it this way , no day is perfect nor is any sale guaranteed but that itself relying heavily on faith with some preparation everything always works out .

I’ve moved 3 times which hasn’t been easy an entrepreneur because location is everything & it was tough emotionally , physically & mentally but I’ve persevered through it all .

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’d describe myself as a multifaceted individual with versatile abilities . I wear many hats as a career such as a culinary instructor across Los Angeles primarily working in Playa Vista & Torrance, CA . I am the author of “ The Best You “ ebook .& I host my own culinary courses being partnered with a facility that impacts the youth + adults through a program I’ve helped develop in called the “ Hope Program “ with Tessie Cleveland .
I’ve worked in the dental industry specifically in an administrative role & I plan on attending medical school in the winter in order to accelerate my interest . Absolutely no limits on myself .

I am a self made entrepreneur who’s passion is to only inspire through my love language for artistic cuisine , pure love & bringing awareness to young woman to stand in their true self through my Woman’s Organization called Identity Woman .

What does success mean to you?
Success is limitless in my opinion . It’s the happiness you’ve reached with thy self in order to say , “ I made it “ . I believe showing up is a form of success and not giving up . I’ve had many small successes in my life but it’s the wins I thought I’d never achieve that equal out success for me personally . I have so much I’d like to accomplish with consistency , confidence , faith & preparation . Having a successful day is more than enough being out here in the world , you only get 24hours in which is not guaranteed & so I’d say begin your day with a scripture , believe , pray & set the tone for how your day will
begin & end . None of us are perfect but happiness is a choice you must choose each day in order to succeed. That’s what success means to me right now .

Pricing:

• Big Mama Tostadas (2) $15.00 ( Loaded Portion )
• Mamìta Tacos De Camaròn (3) $15.50 ( 48hr marinated shrimp tacos )
• Sweet E’s Lemonade $7.00 ( Farmer Fresh Pressed blueberry,blackberry,strawberry puree) + Peach Punch KoolAid $6.50 ( Fresh Pressed Peach Puree w/ a classic KoolAid twist )
• Golden Shortcake / Cheesecake Cup $7.00 ( OG Oreo , Biscoff , Golden Strawberry Cinnamon Oreo )
• Grilled Jerk Wings Plate + 2 sides $21.00 – Elaine’s Mac & Cheese + Rasta Cabbage

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.instagram.com/elainesweettreats?igsi=YjEzNXdhNzc3c2I0&utm_source=qr
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elainesweettreats?igsi=YjEzNXdhNzc3c2I0&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
elaine x elìta