Ariana Landaverde is the women behind the desserts.
“When I decided to attend school here there weren’t that many jobs available, so with the support of my mom and boyfriend, I opened Tulio Crepes,” said Landaverde. “Since Flagstaff is a college town, I thought it would be good to offer a snack or dessert establishment.”
Landaverde says it hasn’t been easy, but hard work is what defines her. “I never give up, no matter how hard the task is. It may take a long time, but I will finish.”
Born in Mexico City, Landaverde was raised in Sedona and eventually moved to Cottonwood where she now resides. “We went to Big Park Community School in the Village of Oak Creek where we lived. The school is now closed but it was a great school.”
A big step after high school was moving to San Jose to attend Evergreen Valley College and work toward her bachelor’s degree. “I packed up my car and off I went. I didn’t know anyone there.”
Spending most of four years in San Jose, Landaverde worked in a country club restaurant as a bartender and also as a caterer for private parties. “Education is really important to me to support my goal of becoming an entrepreneur and making a living.”
In 2018, Landaverde was living in Cottonwood and commuting to Flagstaff to attend NAU. Her education took a pause when her father died from COVID. “My mom wanted me to live with her during this hard time to help raise my younger sister.”
She plans to return to school next semester to finish her bachelor’s degree and work toward a master’s degree in dosimetry, developing optimal radiation treatment plans for cancer patients. “I don’t know how long it will take me, but I know I’m going to do it.”
Today, Landaverde serves up crepes at her shop in the Greenlaw Shopping Center. “I thought about opening a business in Sedona but Flagstaff has the college element, which I think is a good market.”
She features traditional Mexican desserts and decadent crepes using mangos, strawberries, jicama, bananas and pineapple. She also offers healthy smoothies and juices with combinations of cucumber, lime and beets.
“Every time I visit Flagstaff, I take time to stop in at Tulio Crepes,” said Rachel Reams of Cottonwood. “My favorite is the Elote in a cup and fresas con crema. The atmosphere is very welcoming, clean and organized and the yummy food keeps me coming back.”
Another favorite is Mongoniada, a mango smoothie with Tajin chili powder and mounds of fresh cubed mango on top. Her decadent crepes are filled with ice cream, fruit and toppings. Her Elote Preparado is corn on the cob with toppings.
“Our corn is shipped from Mexico,” said Landaverde. “There really isn’t another place in Flagstaff that has these traditional Mexican goodies.”
Landaverde’s sister, Alma, a student at the University of Arizona, promotes Tulio Crepes with videos and photos. Her younger sister, Laura, also helps at the business. “I love having her here and our customers really like her, too.” FBN
By V. Ronnie Tierney, FBN
Tulio Crepes is open from 2 p.m.-8 p.m., every day except Tuesday and Friday, at 2623 East 7th Avenue. For more information, call 928-451-1333.
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