Today we’d like to introduce you to Florencia Schilling.
Hi Florencia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In the spring of 2020, at the onset of the pandemic, my craving for authentic artisan dulce de leche sparked an unexpected business venture. (Dulce de leche is a South American cultural staple, is a rich and malty milk jam characterized by its thick, smooth, silky, and buttery texture.)
Unwilling to settle for an industrialized version from Amazon, I decided to recreate it myself using local milk, cream, and organic sugar. This endeavor sparked a fascination with perfecting the recipe – discovering the precise ingredient ratios and understanding the underlying chemistry to capture that cherished flavor from my memories.
This exploration ignited a passion for food’s ability to foster community. After several months of refining the recipe and sharing the results, a pivotal opportunity arose when a friend from a local bakery invited me to produce the dulce de leche at her cafe as a small artisan business.
The subsequent steps involved securing necessary permits, designing branding, and establishing sales channels through local businesses and farmers markets. Today, I’m pleased to report significant growth, culminating in the construction of our own commissary kitchen to expand production and reach a wider customer base. We are so grateful to be part of a robust community of makers and can’t wait to expand and keep growing.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting this business with very little capital has been a significant learning experience. While the annual growth we’ve achieved is rewarding, establishing a loyal customer base and building a brand people trust have been major focuses. Each challenge we’ve encountered has pushed us to grow and has taught us invaluable lessons about entrepreneurship and running a business.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We specialize in creating authentic dulce de leche, a rich and versatile milk jam beloved for its creamy, silky-smooth texture. Our commitment to quality begins with carefully selected ingredients and traditional craft methods. Its versatility allows for endless culinary exploration: elevate your ice cream, pancakes, or crepes with a drizzle, create delightful pairings with fruit and chocolate or peanut butter, add a touch of sweetness to your coffee, or transform classic desserts like apple pie and bread pudding.
Inspired by the enchanting magical realism of Latin America, our name, Folk Saints, pays homage to the region’s rich tradition of honoring stories filled with magic, miracles, and folklore.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Argentina is my homeland, but my identity was also significantly shaped by five years spent in Venezuela during my childhood, and my teenage years in the multicultural hub of Miami. I’m proud of these diverse influences, which have enriched my understanding of different cultures and allowed me to connect with a wider spectrum of people.
Pricing:
- 8 oz jar $12
- 4 oz jar $9
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.folk-saints.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/folk_saints/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560478181301
