January 2021
By Maria Montes, Staff Reporter and Food Critic
When KAC senior Estefanía Casique, 17, started her own business last summer, she hoped to become more independent and not always ask her mom for money. She didn’t expect to meet “some really cool customers,” or to sell as many strawberries as she has in a few short months. At her business, Fanny’s Fresas, Casique sells decorated strawberries that can be bought as gifts for holidays or special occasions. Since August, she has sold 78 sets of strawberries decorated with designs her customers call “cute.” KAC senior Lizeth Negrete is one of Casique’s satisfied customers. Negrete, 18, ordered a pack of 6 strawberries from Fanny’s Fresas. “I would most definitely buy some again,” Negrete said, “because she puts a lot of effort into them.”
The Cardinal Post spoke to Casique about what motivated her to start her business, what challenges she has faced, and what advice she would give students looking to start their own businesses. This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
What motivated you to start Fanny’s Fresas?
Estefania Casique: I was going through a situation where I felt morally wrong at times asking my mother for money. I’ve always aimed to gain my independence, in any kind of way, either in school or personally, but getting a job wasn’t an option for me since I don’t have the privilege to work here. I knew it wasn’t impossible so I pushed myself to find another way to make my own money. Luckily I began seeing many posts of chocolate-covered strawberries on my Instagram feed; that soon sparked an idea for a small business.
Is it a lot of work having a business while being a full-time student? And can you talk about what challenges you’ve faced?
EC: YES, IT IS A LOT OF WORK. When I first began, I didn’t know much of this. In all honesty I thought it was easy, but it really isn’t. I don’t think my strawberry designs are perfect but I’ve come a long way and improved a lot. To this day I take advice from a girl on YouTube or at times have advice videos on my fyp page on TikTok, which helps and gives me ideas I wouldn’t have had. I also had many challenges when I started growing my small business. I first didn’t know how to price the strawberries and at times felt timid since I feared I was overcharging customers; I then realized I had to make profit as well as charge for my work & time. Another huge struggle I had at times is managing my time, especially through this year as a senior. Some days it was HECTIC. I would go from class to making the strawberries or in between classes I would have to melt the chocolate or decorate. It’s a long process, but I still made time for it. However I began struggling when I would just skip meals to get everything done and deliver orders and come back home and do homework. There were a lot of behind-the-scenes struggles I personally went through. Thankfully, I’ve learned to balance orders and school now 🙂
What advice would you give someone who wants to start their own small business?
EC: I would first want to say it takes a lot of courage to initiate something, so props to that person. Second of all, it will not be easy. Everyone starts somewhere, so you may not start with the best material, products, or large customers, but patience and practice are key! And sometimes you may not have support 24/7, but as long as you believe and have passion & motivation for what you’re doing, it will be more than enough. Sadly there will also be days you aren’t packed with customers, but there are always better days awaiting to come so don’t feel let down. But ultimately, keep pushing for what you want to create and pursue, you might regret it if you never try!
The Cardinal Post 