Today we’d like to introduce you to Manuel Barba.
Hi Manuel, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Las Delicias Mexicanas was created in our home around the kitchen table by my parents, myself, and my siblings in Baytown, Tx. in 2006. The first business model was purely distribution of our name brand candies which are traditional/artisanal candies which consist of dulce de leche, caramelized fruit, praline peanuts, coconut, guava rolls, and peanut patties. In 2008 my dad decided to rent a storefront at 1777 Airline Dr. Houston, Tx. 77009 and in doing so, we made the decision to incorporate other well-established Mexican candy brands in order to provide our customers with a larger selection of delicious delicacies.
Throughout the years our business model has transformed and branched out to the point where we now distribute candy as well as groceries from the Valley, to Austin, Dallas, Oklahoma, and even as far out as Arkansas and New Orleans. On November 7, 2020, we opened Las Delicias Mexicanas #2 in Pasadena, Tx. My parents are now solely responsible for product acquisition in Mexico. My brother-in-law Fernando Orellana is in charge of distribution and my brother Daniel Barba and I mainly run the day to day operations of the two brick and mortar stores in Houston/Pasadena. Up until 2021, Las Delicias Mexicanas dealt with everything from manufacturing, distribution, wholesale, and retail. Now in 2022, we will be expanding by incorporating e-commerce, a paid subscription option, taking part in Cornershop by Uber, and even opening a third location within the Houston area so that we are able to cater to our customers.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Most definitely not. In the nearly 16 years of our company’s existence, we have had many ups and downs. We have so many moving parts that we’ve bumped our heads way too many times to count. Between dealing with corrupt customs agents, cartel violence, limited budgets, flat tires and truck issues, differences of opinion, COVID, price hikes, competition, logistics issues, city codes, bad employees, shady contractors, etc, etc, there’s no shortage of lessons that we’ve acquired along the way. However, we’ve poured our heart, muscle, sweat, tears, and countless hours into this business to let any negativity stop our momentum. Those are all lessons learned which will be passed down to our children who are the next generation of Las Delicias Mexicanas owners.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Las Delicias Mexicanas?
Las Delicias Mexicanas imports and stocks the largest variety of Mexican candies in the greater Houston area. We specialize in bringing 100% purely Mexican products from various regions of Mexico so that we may provide the freshest and tastiest candies to our customers’ front door step. What I do personally for the business is run the day to day operations of one of two stores. I do everything from administrative, managerial, marketing, branding, expansion, retail, wholesale, and everything in between. What sets us apart from any other dulcerías in Houston is that not only were we one of the first but we carry candies that cannot be found anywhere else within the greater Houston area. And if we don’t carry it, we will bring it upon request. We also specialize in custom piñatas, micheladas, and carry some of the best carne seca (Mexican beef jerky) that one can find throughout Houston, Tx. What I am most proud of brand wise is that we are the only dulcería whose main products sold are our own name brand candies. Las Delicias Mexicanas is not only the name of our stores. It’s the name of our line of candies, and the name of our company. We also have a good social media presence and love to engage with our customers directly which is not something that corporate candy stores do. We give our customers a personal touch that makes customers feel welcome and appreciated.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I have always loved to read. I like to read self help books. I like to read things that wealthy business owners have put out about their personal experiences in business. I also listen to a lot of informative YouTube videos on my drives to and from work. Mainly on real estate investments and inspirational/motivational topics. On Sundays, I go to church and feed my soul with God’s word which helps to fuel my week.
Contact Info:
- Email: Mannybarba8055@gmail.com
- Website: Pasadenacandystore.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/las_delicias_mexicanas/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lasdeliciasmexicanas2/
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/2dZ5NFGmAuM
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/las-delicias-mexicanas-2-pasadena
Image Credits:
Joe Perez
