Young entrepreneur opens dessert shop specializing in Hispanic treats near Byron

At 20, Karla Olivera owns and operates a new ice cream shop near Byron that specializes in desserts well known in the Hispanic community.

La Fresita Loca, which translates from Spanish as “The Crazy Strawberry,” opened June 28 in the Beau Claire Plaza off U.S. 41 near the new Pointe Grand apartments.

Olivera, a 2022 Northside High School graduate, chose the name because she first started selling chocolate covered strawberries from her home to friends and family about a year ago.

She started an online business, Karla’s Arrangements, on Instagram from which she sold her chocolate covered strawberries in boxes for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries, along with flower arrangements. She also sold her products via her Facebook page.

Now, she’s laying down the online business to concentrate on her brick and mortar store she leases.

Olivera also chose the name La Fresita Loca because it’s “fairly well known” in the Hispanic community for the type of spicy-sweet treats she serves up.

Spicy-sweet treats

The Manzana Loca dessert, which translates “The Crazy Apple,” consists of apples wrapped in tamarindo that Olivera topped with Japanese peanuts, gummy worms, gummy bears, mango, Salsaghetti and chamoy.

Another specialty is the churro cheesecake. It’s churro on both ends with cheesecake in the middle, with a choice of two toppings and a syrup, Olivera said.

Toppings include sprinkles, M&Ms, Oreos, gummy bears, gummy worms, Reese’s Pieces, fruity pebbles, almonds, Twix, chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, granola and more. Syrup flavors include chocolate, strawberry, caramel, Lechera (condensed milk) and white chocolate.

Another dessert is the Fresas Con Crema, which is strawberries with a mixture of sweet creams like condensed milk and evaporated milk.

Her favorite is the Mangonada, which are mango pieces topped with mango ice cream filled with chamoy, valentina and tajin.

More options

Ice cream flavors include cookies ‘n cream, Dutch chocolate and butter pecan. She also offers milkshakes, slushies and banana splits.

Additionally, Olivera serves up crepes and mini-pancakes.

Customers may also pre-order a 10 inch churro cheesecake, six and 12 count chocolate covered strawberries, and more. Orders are required to be placed 24 to 48 hours in advance.

Olivera runs her business with the help of her sister, Jessica Olivera, and friend, Shania Bautista.

Her father, Jose Olivera, who owns JJ & H Painting, gave Olivera the start-up money for her business.

“Thanks to him, I have this,” she said. “I’m such a Daddy’s girl.”

She said her father told her, “As long as you’re sure and are going to stick to it, I’ll fully support you.”

Her shop is located in the retail space of a large climate-controlled self-storage building, one of two buildings that make up the Beau Claire Plaza at 3421 U.S. 41. The shop is in suite 3000B at the long end of the building.

The shop has no seating and is designed for to-go and takeout orders.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. The business does not currently have a phone.

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