ABJ Women in Business Awards Nominee: Aileene Rosales
Aileene Rosales began her long-term journey with Breakthrough Central Texas 15 years ago, in 2009, not as an employee as a sixth-grade student curious about what it would take to become the first person in her family to graduate college.
An eager, steadfast learner, Aileene dedicated herself to long days and late nights working alongside advisors from Breakthrough Central Texas to complete secondary school at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School as a scholarship student. With rigorous college prep under her belt, Aileene earned admission to St. Edward’s University, launching her dream of attending college while supporting herself with a full-time job. Aileene now holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and is the proud owner of Andy’s Minis Events. As owner and Chief Executive Officer of Andy’s Mini’s, Aileene is the heroine of her own story.
Aileene launched Andy’s Mini’s when her pregnancy cravings launched an Instagram sensation. Growing up, she spent time with her grandmother in the summer baking and creating tasty kitchen creations. One of her all-time favorites were the pancakes they would make together, which took center stage in Aileen’s appetite while she was pregnant with her son, Andy. She transformed the original recipe into mini pancakes and incorporated as many toppings as she could, snapping photos and videos that she shared on social media along the way. Friends and family clamored to taste the increasingly famous “Andy’s Mini’s” and an Austin-based small business was born!
Q&A with Aileene
How has your career developed and changed over time? How do you contribute to the success of your company? What challenges have you faced? What are your professional goals?
The best part about being a business owner is the constant learning and growth. I’ve always liked the saying that if you love what you do as a job, you will never work a day in your life. I find it so true, because no matter what it is that you decide to do, if you do it with a passion it won’t feel like you’re working. That’s what I have done with Andy’s Mini’s.
When I started Andy’s Mini’s, I never imagined it to be as big as what it is now. I was finishing college at the time, working hard on my degree in Psychology, while taking lots of business classes for my minor. Growing up, I saw my mom throw fun parties for her friends and family, and being a part of the planning and coordination has always been exhilarating for me. My aunt owned a small business when I was growing up, and I always knew I loved business and leadership. But, it wasn’t until senior year of college, where I really realized how much I would love it. I began to take orders for Andy’s Mini’s, my now famous mini pancakes with unlimited toppings! It was the first of its kind back in 2020. I have since added other yummy desserts and watched in awe as the business continues to grow. We are booking left to right. I have gone from delivering daily orders all over the city for free to get my name out to catering all levels of corporate events and community events to private parties.
Today I’m blessed to say we offer more than 10 services and have added fabulous things like event planning and design, balloon decor and expansive catering menus. My goal is to be the one stop party shop for clients, making party planning fun and easy but also accessible to ALL.
How do you lead in your company and community? What advice would you give to women early in their careers?
I have always loved being a leader. Being able to be trusted by your peers is a great feeling and there’s nothing better than teaching someone and helping them better understand something they might’ve not quite grasped initially. Being a leader is also very hard. There are times when you have to get things done, even when things are not going as planned. Remaining calm and finding a solution is always key.
My advice to other women who are early in their career is to network as much as you can. Use your resources and spread the word on your business. It is up to you how far your business can really go. Do not stop. There were times we went out to markets and sold absolutely nothing and other times our lines didn’t have an end. Hard work does pay off with consistency. Surround yourself with people who help you get closer to your goals and make you feel good about your hard work.
Finally, always believe in yourself even when things go south. Life is always a learning lesson. Sometimes, mistakes are just a new way of learning a lesson so that you can improve next time.
How do you give back to the community, inside and outside of the workplace? How do you support the next generation of women leaders?
If there’s one thing that is in my bones, it is giving back to the community. I was very blessed to have Breakthrough. Growing up in this program, I learned a majority of my leadership skills and what it takes to really push through any obstacle no matter what. Thanks to God and Breakthrough, I became the first in my family to graduate from a university and I will forever be thankful. When given the opportunity, Andy’s Mini’s offers Breakthrough, school organizations, and or first responders with discounts for any of our services. We have also proudly donated to the American Cancer Association’s Fork Cancer Event for three years running.
As a first-generation graduate and small business owner, I am often back at St. Edwards or at Breakthrough events talking to panels of students who are also first-generation. I love interacting with these students and showing them that what they are striving for – dreaming for – is actually real! It can happen! And I am the proof.