Today we’d like to introduce you to Giulliana De la Torre.
Hi Giulliana, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Originally, I am from Peru. I moved to Hamilton, Ohio, to study English. After I while, though, I became homesick. I missed my friends, my home, my food. I missed my culture.
I noticed that a lot of my classmates felt the same way. That gave me the idea for “Show Off Your Roots,” a t-shirt and accessories company for people who are proud of and connect to their origins. Initially, I focused on Peru, and only later it turned more international.
Pregnancy and motherhood slowed my projects down for a few years. But the idea of my own business never completely faded. My heart told me to return to my passion and so I decided to open the platform of “A Toda Madre” to engage with other moms, share tips and local events, and sell my t-shirts.
When the pandemic hit, I was forced to swift business directions once again. I decided to make customized face masks inspired by the Latin culture. A big boost to my brand’s popularity.
However, just like Covid, also my masks were not last. My dad, though, had taught me the art of handcrafting chocolates. He runs a chocolate business in Peru and when he was stuck in the U.S during the pandemic, I suggested we could sell his famous “chocotejas” online. The Peruvian-styled chocolate sweets are filled with dulce de leche and dried fruits or nuts and have been our best sellers so far.
I love my customers’ feedback and great reviews.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Smooth road? Not at all. It took me more than 5 years to make a name for my business. And I’m far from done.
Struggle
Initially the language barrier and the difference in taste across the American continent.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I make chocotejas. I discovered a passion in the art of chocolate handcrafting and I’m in love with the process. I’m proud and honored to be able to share my passion, my chocolates, and my roots with the American market. What’s more, I appreciate the connection I have been able to create with my customers and the love I put in each order.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
Keep trying and don’t wait for the perfect moment. Take a leap of faith.
Be patient and kind to yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Etsy.com/shop/showoffyourroots
- Instagram: @Show_off_your_roots
