Elisa Milan’s story started with a challenge. Back in 2017, a friend bet that she couldn’t cook good enough to sell her food so she took on the challenge and sold out at the event. She then realized she had potential for success.
Demand grew as she sold more of her empanadas at different events. She even began selling them frozen during the pandemic for people to keep and cook later and that venture actually her throughout that time. Ironically, the name of her business was ‘Elisa’s Empanadas’ but her customers and people in the community began calling her ‘The Empanada Lady’. She realized it was a catchy name and created her LLC and brand.
As business thrived, success came with its own set of challenges. Scaling from a $30K to $250K annual sales leap led to an inevitable crossroads; she outgrew her Motorhouse kitchen, needing a larger space to accommodate her growing empire.
Yet, the growth coincided with adversity when Motorhouse served an abrupt notice, granting only 60 days to vacate. Urgency set in. With limited time, Baltimore Community Lending (BCL) became her beacon of hope.
Angela, one of BCL’s previous loan officers, saw what a staple ‘The Empanada Lady’ was to the community and made this deal happen quickly. Angela worked tirelessly to make this happen within 24 hours, due to the urgency of Elisa’s timeframe.
Through their swift actions, Elisa found a turnkey space, avoiding a business standstill and everything worked out smoothly. Her savings secured the new space, and BCL’s financing capital covered expansion plans including renovations, permits, inventory, equipment, etc.
A true story of determination, community, and some seriously delicious empanadas!
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