Meet Ana Zelaya | Florist & Baker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ana Zelaya and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ana, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Honestly this was something I didn’t imagine would take off for me! I was always a creative person, but never thought I would use my creativity to start a small business. The whole idea came about in February 2020 during Valentine’s season, I thought to myself I need a “side hustle”. With Love Day being around the corner maybe I can think of something people would enjoy and I did! DIPPED STRAWBERRIES AND CHEESCAKES!!! It was trending so why not try. It was a success, I made a little extra money and everyone loved it. Then unfortunately due to covid my day job was not allowing me to return to work. With plenty of time on my hands I had to think of what to do for income. My first job came from some close friends who asked if I could make a dessert  box and a flower arrangement as a birthday gift. Nervous and scared I took the job anyway! Underestimating myself it turned out to be another success, they loved my product! It gave me so much joy to see how much they liked it . That is, I believe, when the idea of making people happy came about and the rest is history.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
So many florists and homemade dessert connoisseurs have their own twist to what they do. When I started, the plan was flowers, strawberries and cheesecakes! That was great and all but I wanted to do more as time went on. Treat Me To A Box went from 2 desserts to now having a wide variety of goodies, from simple flower boxes to wedding or funeral arrangements to now doing my first custom flower wall. The challenges have been those long nights of no sleep, baking and creating arrangements! It’s all worth it! When your customer receives their order and they are so happy… That makes my day to know that something I made, brought them so much joy. That’s the best part of what I do. So far I’ve been able to manage my time. I still struggle sometimes but it’s a learning process. As my buisiness is growing I’m learning so much about myself. Who knew that I would be here 2021 doing beautiful flower arrangements and delicious desserts. Treat Me To A Box has so much more in store and I can’t wait to continue this exciting journey with the world. I want everyone to know that you should never underestimate yourself. Think outside the box, get out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. Do more, take a risk, and if you think you can’t, set a goal to see if you can! I love what I do, you never know what someone is going through in life and a simple flower or sweet treat can brighten their day just a bit more… you’ve done your part by bringing them joy.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One thing I love is that Houston is a diverse city of so many different cultures. I would start off by taking them for breakfast to one of my favorite Colombian restaurants or my mom’s kitchen with her delicious Salvadorian breakfast lol. Another hot spot here in Houston for great dining is City Center. The best part about it is after eating we can walk it off at all the near by shops. When lunch time hits I will take her to one of the many food truck parks this city has to offer, food trucks have become very popular here in Houston. We also have great museums, a beautiful zoo and amazing parks with plenty of trails for bike riding or hiking. My family and I love the outdoors, For my hang out spot most definitely I would take them ATV riding. We absolutely love it! I would take them to Xtreme Off Road Park and hang out all day. I’m not really a night life person but if I do go out, the Heights and Midtown have great places where you can end up in a Latin club with a live band.. my favorite!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I first want to say I’m grateful for all the blessings God has blessed my family and I with. My family has been a great support system, my 2 kids & especially my husband. He has always been my biggest supporter. He always tells me that I can do what I think I can’t!. My mom always tells me to keep going and never quit. My sister is also very creative she also inspires me with the beautiful work she does in her balloon & event business. I’m lucky to have amazing family that surrounds me with positivity, love and support always sending me ideas!! My Family and friends have been amazing also ordering all the time. I’m so grateful and blessed for everyone in my life. I want to say Thank you!

Instagram: Treatmetoabox

Image Credits
My daughter Mariah Espinoza and mother Rosibel Rivera