Today we’d like to introduce you to Xianna Pagán.
Hi Xianna, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Well, I never really thought about becoming a treat maker, or even a balloon artist growing up. About 3 years before starting my business, I started to watch videos and learn how to make different types of desserts, party favors, and other treats. I am a mother of 3 and my youngest son was turning a year old. This was back in 2016. I couldn’t find anyone in Tallahassee to make the things that I wanted him to have, so I figured that I could teach myself. I wanted his party to be different from the average 1yr old party. It turned out great and from there, close friends and family members would ask me to help with their events, whether it was the decor, centerpieces, or treats, I would do it. I didn’t really think about profiting from it until people started to ask me how much I would charge them to make certain things. From then, I thought about it, did my research, and Treats 2 Remember was created in 2019. My business has grown so much within the past 2 years and I am so thankful for the amount of love and support that I have received. I am where I am today because of my faith in God. Without him, none of this would have even been possible.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. I didn’t start off knowing how to create any of the items that I do create. I’ve had many sleepless nights learning new material, fulfilling orders, responding to potential clients within an appropriate timeframe, preparing for the next event, creating different ways to market, updating social media, purchasing items for my business, all while trying to juggle being a mommy, a spouse, and everything in my personal life. There’s been moments where I have felt defeated after an event, and moments where I have broken down before an event due to the anxiety of it all. Not having a full team is also a struggle. At times I take on so much that I start feeling like I am drowning but I do have people that I can reach out to and I am so grateful that they have come through to help me with whatever I’ve needed. What I have realized is that with every event, with every order, and every client, there’s a learning experience. I take what I’ve learned from the previous experience and apply it to my next. If running a business was always a smooth road, your business wouldn’t be able to grow. Character is built within your struggles. Although I would love for everything to go as planned, I appreciate the times that I fall because I know I’ll get up better than before.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a treat maker. I make many types of desserts from chocolate covered strawberries to cakes. Hot Cocoa bombs were definitely my number one sellers in the winter but overall, My strawberry crunch cakes/cupcakes would have to be number 1 seller when it comes to sweet treats. Although I specialize in sweet treats, I am also known for my balloon decor. May of the balloon decor that I have created, was done without prior knowledge of how to create it. That in itself, sets me apart from others. I am able to deliver and exceed expectations without much notice given. I have the best clientele ever because many of them push me to do things that I’ve never done before. It’s a great feeling knowing that so many people believe in you and trust you to execute their visions.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I grew up in Miami, FL. From a young age, I modeled, I danced, I cheered, played basketball, and girls flag football. I also went to a preforming arts school for some years… I was always on the go. Making people smile brought joy to me! I was always acting silly around people that I was comfortable with and constantly making my family members or friends, learn new dances that I choreographed. Around people that I didn’t know, I was quiet, or “shy” as some would say. For those that knew me, they would probably say that I had a sassy personality and a big heart! I grew up between two separate households, where I was the oldest sibling of 6 in my dad’s home and the oldest of 3, as well as the only girl, in my mom’s home. I had a lot of responsibility and was also very maternal (Or bossy, if you let my siblings tell it). I had a great childhood. On days that we weren’t busy consumed in activities, I remember my mom baking the sweetest desserts you could imagine. Oddly enough, I never had an interest in baking or even helping her bake. I just didn’t like it. Now that I am a mother, I enjoy doing those same things.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Www.treats2rememberllc.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/treats2remember_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Treats2Remember
Image Credits
Jessacole Photography, Steve Chase Photography, Brooklynn Crawford, Peyten Crawford, Raeya Butler
