Today we’d like to introduce you to Andria Polo.
Hi Andria, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hello sugars! I am so honored to share pieces of myself with you all, in hopes to inspire, support, spread love and positivity.
I believe everyone has a unique story and every story deserves a happy ending. My goal is just that. I strive to gift happiness to everyone I come across, the best way I’ve found to do that is by using treats as my symbol of love and I haven’t missed yet!
I am a proud homegrown Austinite, and without the social influence of Austin, I would definitely not be the person I am today. I am extremely honored to serve my community and surrounding areas.
I love everyone’s bright smiles, genuine gratitude , and the butterflies in my stomach when I feel someone’s reaction to a gift. This journey of serving others has always been a huge part of my soul so I guess you could say YES, it’s definitely part my love language. Haha)
Growing up with an unstable life there were many times I had to go without much like so many others fighting a fight bigger than themselves. It is daunting, exhausting and for a child, it can be excruciating. I had to find ways to keep my heart warm even when the world is so cold. I would find myself trying to think of ways to build something with a platform based purely off of wanting to spread love. Pushing through and staying strong I still found myself struggling heavy to stay afloat in the day-to-day routine of life.
I was failing at my vision to bring a community together, bring happiness to families, and to show children that the innocent pieces of them is something to be so proud of and that they should never lose sight of success even when all odds are against them. I knew I’d have to start small, I knew I’d try and possibly fail and maybe even multiple times before I got something right.
Through a decade of trials and failed attempts, I took a leap. I put my creativity and baking hands to the test and that’s when @boxofchawklets was established.
Box of chawklets from the first view is a cottage bakery styled to meet the needs of all people in need of chocolate treats, ooeygoooey cookies, warm pastries, cakes and so much more that’s sure to make your taste buds explode!
However, to me it is so much more. This is the platform that I have been dreaming of! The one I can use to do so much good to so many people who deserve so much. This business is part of my contribution to helping our community come together and support all small businesses, entrepreneurs, local vendors, and to give faith to these bright young minds looking to us to show them they can accomplish whatever their heart desires. I hope to help those in need with my business. I hope to please the hardworking mommas that can not afford a birthday cake, the elderly man that craves a home-baked pecan pie but his body no longer allows him to make his own, the teenager that feels like they don’t fit into this molded society, the brother and sisters who have no parents, the babies that aren’t blessed with the feeling of celebration, the teachers/ nurses who deserve appreciation and so many others that make up our community. Austin is what we make it and it needs each and every one of us no matter how big or small to come together to keep our city strong for all the little ones who will eventually be in our shoes. I want to gift them a head start like we’ve never had. They are the ones I think of when I do this.
“Momma always said life is like a box of chocolates, ya never know what you’re Gna get” – Forest Gump
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
I think success of any kind definitely takes a lot of patience, I struggle the most with wanting to do so much at one time but learning that my capabilities only go so far at a time.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Aside from a box of chawklets I am a caregiver! Baking, elderly, kids! That’s my heart.
Any big plans?
I look forward to popping up around the city more, meeting locals and creatives and hosting events that not only cater to small businesses but also getting plans together to do some good for the community.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @boxofchawklets
Image Credits
Main photo – @mesh_bhakta
