Today we’d like to introduce you to Miriam Perlacio.
Miriam, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Miriam Perlacio, and I am the founder of Little Bites Catering, a business that offers both sweet and savory products. I specialize in Peruvian appetizers and desserts, as well as lunch boxes for corporate meetings and family events.
I started my business in 2016 while studying Hospitality Management at UDC Community College and raising my two children. At that time, my son was seven years old, and my daughter was almost one.
When my son was a newborn, I experienced a very difficult time in my life that forced me to pause and focus on caring for him. During that time, I reflected on my future and decided to take control of my own path. Eventually, I returned to school to study Culinary Arts at Carlos Rosario School, determined to build a better life for my children and pursue my passion for cooking and business.
I chose this path because I have always loved business, and since childhood, I had a passion for baking. During summer vacations, my mother enrolled me in pastry classes, where I learned to make appetizers and decorate cakes. Those early experiences planted the seed for what would later become my business.
While studying, I practiced recipes at home and shared them with family and friends. I took every opportunity, birthdays, celebrations, and gatherings, to showcase my food. Their encouragement gave me confidence, and I began selling my products, first to friends and then at my husband’s workplace.
Like many entrepreneurs, I started from my apartment kitchen with enthusiasm, goals, and determination. One of my first opportunities was selling alfajores at the Community Craft Collective at Luther Place Church. From there, I continued learning, adding new products, and growing step by step.
At Carlos Rosario School, I became involved in student government and won a scholarship competition that allowed me to continue my studies in Hospitality Management. I also participated in small business programs that helped me clarify my vision and strengthen my entrepreneurial skills.
Whenever new opportunities came, I always said yes, whether it was preparing soups, salads, or special orders. Then I would do research, read books, and watch videos to improve my skills. I committed myself to continuous learning, and little by little, my business grew.
In addition to running Little Bites Catering, I currently work with a nonprofit organization that supports cooperatives. This allows me to contribute to the community, develop leadership and organizational skills, and apply what I learn to improve my business.
Today, I work from a commercial kitchen, which allows me to serve more clients and continue expanding Little Bites Catering. Every challenge I faced has shaped me into the business owner I am today, and I am proud to provide high-quality products and excellent service to my community.
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?
It was definitely not an easy road. My children were very young, and balancing motherhood with building a business was emotionally challenging. At times, I felt guilt, not because I wasn’t with them, but because I was constantly dividing my energy between being present as a mother and pursuing my dreams. That experience shaped me deeply. However, I was motivated by the belief that if I prepared myself and worked hard, I could create a better future for them.
There were many sleepless nights and moments when I wanted to give up. I went through a lot of trial and error because I was determined to provide high-quality products to my clients. Every mistake became a lesson, and every challenge made me stronger.
Working from my small apartment kitchen was another challenge. Space was limited, and in the beginning, I didn’t have enough clients to afford a commercial kitchen. Like many entrepreneurs, I initially thought customers would come easily, but I quickly learned that building a business requires consistent effort, networking, and persistence. I had to actively promote my services and earn my clients’ trust so they would recommend me to others.
The language barrier has also been a challenge, but I’ve never let it stop me. I always give my very best and focus on providing excellent service because I believe dedication and quality speak louder than words.
As you know, we’re big fans of Little Bites Catering. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Little Bites is a catering service that offers both sweet and savory products. We specialize in Peruvian bites, including empanadas, tamales, causa limeña, alfajores, piononos, and tres leches, among others. We also make small cakes for birthdays and weddings, as well as lunch boxes for corporate meetings and family events.
Our name, Little Bites, reflects our specialty: small bites full of flavor. We are especially known for our empanadas, made with fresh ingredients and baked the same day to ensure their quality and taste.
What sets us apart is that at Little Bites, we firmly believe our clients deserve the best. That’s why we dedicate ourselves 100% to offering fresh, high-quality products. We pay attention to every detail, continually improve our skills, and provide a professional and personalized service that meets and exceeds our clients’ expectations.
I am very proud of everything I have accomplished with Little Bites over the years. We have had the opportunity to participate in special events, such as preparing 1,000 sandwiches for a city event and 1,800 bites for Rammy’s 2023 at the Convention Center. The latter was made possible thanks to the support of the Carlos Rosario School Small Business Program. Likewise, thanks to our clients’ recommendations and trust, we have been able to keep growing and participate in various events.
This year, Little Bites celebrates 10 years, and we are launching our new website, where clients can order some of our products with just one click and have our empanadas delivered straight to their door. I am very excited about this milestone, and as part of the celebration, we will have some special surprises for our customers.
How do you think about luck?
If you had asked me this question many years ago, I might have said I had bad luck for losing my job or going through financial struggles, or good luck when things worked out. But now, I see it differently. I believe there is no “good” or “bad” luck, only situations that push us out of our comfort zone and help us grow.
I’m actually grateful for the challenges I faced. For example, losing my job was painful at the time, but if that hadn’t happened, I might not have gone back to school, earned a scholarship, or started my business. Every moment, whether joyful or difficult, has taught me something valuable. I’ve met wonderful clients who believed in my products and continue to support and recommend me.
For me, it’s not about luck; it’s about how you respond to the situations around you. That doesn’t mean I never worry or shed a few tears! But now, I focus on what each situation can teach me and move forward quickly. I truly believe that our reactions and the actions we take are what shape our lives and our businesses.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.littlebitescatering.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlebitescatering/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LittlebitescateringLLC/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@littlebitescatering
Image Credits
Edgar Romero
(240)701-0797
