Ever since senior America Franken was little, she’s always wanted to run her own business. Franken remembers sitting down with her mom and brainstorming business ideas such as creating their dream restaurants or launching a fashion or makeup line. When Franken was 13, she took her first step into entrepreneurship. Her very first business was selling bracelets for a dollar or two at the horse shows where she was competing. Her passion switched to doing nails during her sophomore year, but after a year, she felt the urge to explore something new.  

Baking cookies and sweets after dinner one day with her grandma is when Franken realized she loved making desserts. Soon afterward, ATX Sweet Serendipity was born.

“[Sweet Serendipity] is a mix of my passion for creativity and my desire to make others smile,” Franken said. 

Sweet Serendipity specializes in chocolate-covered strawberries, which Franken points out to be the most popular item, as well as various other chocolate-covered treats. 

“I mainly focus on sweets that give you a sense of serendipity,” Franken said. “As for my favorite thing to make, I really enjoy creating choco-flan, which is also known as impossible cake. It’s a unique dessert with layers of rich chocolate cake and creamy flan. I love how surprised people are when they see the final product. It’s both a challenge and a delight to make.”

ATX Sweet Serendipity doesn’t just specialize in desserts though. Franken points out that when she created this business she didn’t want it to just be about her desserts, but about creating unforgettable moments for others as well. 

“With my business, it’s not just about what I sell or make,” she said. “It’s about creating an experience that leaves a lasting impression.”

One specific experience that Franken helps to create and that her business is involved in is quinceañeras which is a girl’s 15th birthday party. 

“From bringing four-foot-tall gold letters for the birthday girl’s name and number 15, to selecting the perfect tablecloths and backdrops that set the scene, I ensure every detail is just right,” Franken said. “And of course, I provide whatever snacks and sweets are requested, tailored to fit the theme and taste of the event. Whether it’s a classic treat or custom creation, I’m here to make sure the celebration is as sweet as possible.”

Franken additionally makes handcrafted eternal ribbon roses, Migajó flowers, and boutonnieres for prom.

“These delicate creations last far beyond the celebration, serving as a cherished keepsake for those special occasions,” she said. “They can last up to 20 years.”

Franken highlights a challenge that comes along with being a business owner, saying it’s hard to earn customers and stand out in the marketplace.

“Getting people’s attention and building a loyal customer base takes time and effort, especially when I am doing all of it by myself,” Franken said.

To gain the attraction and attention of customers, Franken uses social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to share photos and videos of her work. She also relies on word-of-mouth from previous customers who often refer her business to others. 

“I try to make cards to hand out and sometimes I make flyers and post them around school hoping for more customers,” Franken said. “Having kids at school that order from me is so much easier for me because I can make the sweet that morning or the night before and bring it in my cooler to hand out at school. Occasionally, I offer promotions or discounts to attract new clients and keep existing ones engaged.” 

Franken attributes much of her success to her grandparents and mom who have supported her throughout Sweet Serendipity’s journey.

“[They] have supported me all my life in every aspiration and project,” Franken said. “My grandparents have always been there for me such as taking me to deliveries when I couldn’t drive myself. My mom played an important role in getting my business off the group and even came up with the name ATX Sweet Serendipity. I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today without them.” 

For Cecilia Baylon, Franken’s grandma, driving Franken around to complete her orders was never a sacrifice. It brings Baylon joy supporting Franken. When Baylon first heard that Franken was starting Sweet Serendipity, she thought it was a great idea.

“I am extremely proud of [America] for dedicating herself to making her business run well and for staying committed to her studies,” Baylon said. “Every good enterprise begins with a solid idea and hard work. If she puts a lot of effort into it, I know she’ll be very successful.”

Franken’s grandpa, Bernardino Martinez, also acknowledges how starting Sweet Serendipity young was one of the best decisions that Franken has ever made.

“As long as she puts her best foot forward and doesn’t get lazy or scared about how things are going, she’s going to do great,” Martinez. “It is a wonderful thing how much passion and enthusiasm she has to run a business which so far has been going incredible.” 

Martinez hopes that ATX Sweet Serendipity continues to prosper and receives lots of clients in the future.

“It will be challenging and exhausting, but that’s the nature of hard work,” Martinez said. “With enough passion, she can accomplish anything.”

Franken’s mother, Claudia Franken, also has hopes that Franken’s business will continue to grow and become something that Franken can build on in the future. 

“I’d love for her to gain more experience, maybe even expand her skills and offerings,” Franken said. “Whether she wants to keep it as a side hustle or turn it into a full-time venture later on, I just hope it gives her confidence and a sense of independence. More than anything, I want her to enjoy it and feel proud of what she’s accomplished.”

Along with helping to develop the name, ATX Sweet Serendipity, Claudia Franken played a role financially, helping Franken get started.

“Once she began making money, she took off on her own,” Franken said. “Now, I support her by helping with small tasks, like boxing products, and mainly being her cheerleader. I also make sure that when she commits to something, she follows through.”

When Claudia first heard about Franken’s desire to start her own dessert business, she was worried if Franken would be able to manage school, extracurriculars, and the job.  As well as running her own business, Fraken is also a three-time national equestrian rider and double major in choral studies and performance theater which makes balancing her schedule challenging. When Franken reassured Claudia that she could manage the myriad of tasks, Claudia knew that she had to trust Franken and support her in whatever way she needed.

“She does pretty well, better than I expected for a teenager,”  Franken said. “She keeps an agenda to manage her school activities and her business orders.”

One way that Franken tries to stay on top of her schoolwork and activities is to do all her homework during the last few minutes of class, at lunch, or in the morning. If she does need help, she’ll ask her mom to set up a sweet or snack table for an event.

“She’ll say something like, ‘Mom, grandpa or uncle, I need to be at school for an activity,’ and then ask one of us to help with the delivery,”  Franken said. “She makes sure everything is ready, boxes it up and gives us clear directions on handling it for her. When she’s not busy, she’ll handle it all on her own.”

 Overall, for Franken, the challenges have been worth the reward. 

“I truly enjoy what I do and making sweets is like an art form for me,” Franken said. “The satisfaction of seeing people enjoy what I’ve made makes all the effort worth it.”