Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Mendoza.
Hi Amy, 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?
My adventure into Made with Love HTX all started in 2020 with the birth of my youngest child during one of the largest pandemics. With the complications of getting COVID during my pregnancy I opted to work from home which ended up being a real challenge since I was used to always working in the office. Once I realized working from home was not going to be a permanent option I walked away from my job. That’s when the idea of working for myself started brewing and Made with Love HTX was established. Postpartum depression is real! Once I started staying at home I felt like something was missing. I loved the fact that I finally had a chance to be with both of my sons and fill the role of a stay at home mom/wife, but whatever I did I still felt like I needed to do more. I started with small crafts such as budgeting binders for my family and friends, freshies of all scents and sizes, flower bouquets, chocolate covered treats, charcuterie boards/cups. Pretty much, if someone asked me if I could do it, I would give it a shot. Although I still do some of those things whenever asked, I found the most joy in making chamoy candies. Fast forward to today my weekends are busy with markets 2-3 times a week, my customer base has grown stronger, and I am forever thankful because without them Made with Love HTX wouldn’t be where it is today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I definitely have come across a few challenges, but who hasn’t when venturing into something new. From deciding what candies to sell, pricing each product, to what bags to use. Everything was discussed at some point and weighed with pros and cons. Even when I started adding more products such as rim paste, chamoy wrapped grapes, pickle kits and etc. I’ve never been one to just throw something together and hoped it stick. Everything has been carefully thought out. On top of all this still filling the role of mom, wife, chauffeur to my children, and all their extra curricular activities it hasn’t been easy to balance things out. But with the help of my village (family) we always find a way to make it work. This may look like my mom spending the night and staying up until 5 in the morning to wrap grapes, or my husband driving all over town to get me the ingredients I need for all my products.
As you know, we’re big fans of Made with Love HTX . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We specialize in candies, snacks, and catering. We are known for our chamoy candies but especially our chamoy wrapped grapes. What sets us apart from others is our attention to detail, customer service, and the continuous strive for excellent quality with all of our products. We are most proud of our expansion to catering services for events and parties. We offer candy, elotes, fresh fruit, paletas, Maruchan, and charcuterie, but we hoping to add other services in the future. Customers can always reach out to us on Instagram under _madewithlovehtx_ for any questions about pricing products, and services we offer.
What’s next?
As of right now our main focus is to get the word out about our catering services. Something we are striving for in the near future is to open a store front where our customers can come relax, handout, and enjoy our products.
Pricing:
- Chamoy Candies $9-$60
- Chamoy Wrapped Grapes $13-$60
- Catering $350+
Contact Info:
