Meet Maria Otero of Flantastic Desserts in Whittier

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Otero.

Maria, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up as a child my father would bake me a 1/4 sheet of Flan and sat it on the table. It was always a surprise; His moment was to see the look on my face. As I walked into the kitchen, we both would have smiles on our face of pure excitement. Throughout the day, I would take a spoonful from each end as I passed by it until there was no more left except for the long-anticipated bite in the middle. Therefore, I never gave it time to spoil.

As an adult when my father was alive he would time and time again say, “Kiki you are an Entrepreneur like myself! You have the personality and everyone you meet loves you!”

In 2009, after working for the United States Postal Service for 24 years, I found myself unemployed due to injuries. I was also going through a divorce and coping with the loss of my granddaughter Samantha. I found myself facing numerous painful challenges that were out of my control. It was a very difficult time in my life. My faith in the Lord kept me going. Trying to figure out how to spend my time, I suddenly had a vision of my father’s flan, I called my stepmother to remind me of his recipe. At this point my father had passed 7 yrs. prior in 2002. It took me 2 weeks, to perfect the Caramel. Once I perfected it, I became slightly obsessed creating new flavors. This was the first time I experienced passion. I hosted several flan tastings for family and friends. The reaction I received was overwhelming and I knew I was on to something. As a Latina business woman, I explored the idea of promoting my new passion, Flantastic! Thru proper branding and marketing, my clientele slowly grew by word of mouth in my community.

My first creation was flan grams, A fresh baked flan beautifully gift wrapped and delivered with a special verbal message. I also partnered with realtors to deliver a flan to say “Thank You” at the closing of escrow. My next creation was Flantini bars, which included, a variety of flavors of flan shots in martini glasses for corporate events as well as heart shaped flans for weddings. My first restaurant I exclusively supplied desserts for El Tepeyac #2. Every week we featured a flavor of the week. It was an exciting time for Flantastic.

I am honored to been able to touch other woman and business leaders through the power of faith and my story.

My faith is what kept me and continues to keep me on the track to success. In trusting God, knowing he placed this gift and it will come to flourish.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My road has been far from smooth, like any other business I was faced with obstacles and challenges. My knowledge has grown thru ups and downs, to make better business decisions. Supply and demand became a problem, but a good problem to have. Baking from home, not fully aware of do’s and don’ts of the food industry, I had a visit from the Health Dept. They stated that an anonymous caller reported me, and if I continued to cook from home I would be in front of a judge. That was a very discouraging day to say the least. It’s true when 1 door closes a better one opens. The same week I was offered a commercial kitchen and asked to supply the desserts for other restaurants. After 3 years, one morning I received an email from the owner of the kitchen letting me know he was expanding and needed the space. It took me by surprise and I felt that my dream was slipping away. It took me awhile to find the strength to move forward with Flantastic. I later realized it was part of my journey and I needed to think bigger. I am extremely grateful for the time and experience I gained from my first commercial kitchen. Flantastic should be a household name. I am working on strategically partnering with a distribution who can help me achieve that goal.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Flantastic Desserts – what should we know?
I am known as the Flan Queen. Flantastic is known for its variety and its infused flavors. All customized and made to order. The Flantastic recipe is what sets us apart A unique blend of ingredients that my father tested and created is what makes Flantastic a unique dessert company.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Roberto Otero my father first and foremost who left this recipe behind so many would indulge in something so simple for generations to come.

Dora Otero my stepmother who lives in Arizona, she refreshed my memory of my father’s recipe and coached me for 1 week to bake to perfection as he did.

My daughters Jennifer Joanna and Tiffany for supporting me in promoting Flantastic to share the new flan in town.

Yolanda Chavez My dear friend, who shared my vision and supported me, volunteered her time, from the cooking in the kitchen, late night deliveries, to the Flantini bar events. I couldn’t have accomplished so much without her.

Identity LA, who believed in me. The first time Ric tasted my flan, his first words were ” This needs to be in every kitchen, Flantastic is to be a household name.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.flantasticdesserts.com
• Phone: 562-665’5115
• Email: [email protected]
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/flantastic-desserts-whittier-5