Starting a business in New York? Let me tell you, it’s no walk in the park—especially when you’re doing it all over again on the other side of the world. We spent nearly seven years running a dessert and custom cake studio in Manila before making the big leap across the globe. Adjusting to a new city was a challenge on its own, and just when we were ready to dive back into our dream, the pandemic hit.
Being cooped up indoors for months sparked a fire in us, and though it took time, we knew it was time to dive back in. We immersed ourselves in the journey, from endless phone calls and navigating government offices to wrestling with paperwork and permits. There were tough days when it felt easier to give up, but our belief in what we had to offer—something truly special—kept us moving forward.
As we worked through the paperwork, we also began perfecting our recipes, baking and cooking day and night to find the perfect flavors for New York. But our biggest hurdle remained: finding the right kitchen space. We explored a few options but nothing felt quite right—until serendipity stepped in.
While wandering through our neighborhood, we stumbled upon a Caribbean market we hadn’t explored before. And tucked away at the back was a shared kitchen, like a hidden gem waiting for us. It felt like we had discovered a piece of magic. Little did we know that there we would find the solution to our biggest hurdle and a community that has welcomed and supported us.
Mangrove FC is a startup community focused on launching and supporting BIPOC businesses – and it was everything we needed to bring our vision, Tootsie and Tati, to life. It was literally two blocks away and offered us a chance to dream bigger than ever.
We’re thrilled to share our Filipino flavors with Brooklyn and all of New York. Mangrove FC has opened doors for us to connect with so many wonderful people, and we can’t wait to meet each of you and become part of this incredible community.

September 1st is our official opening day. We can’t wait to share our Filipino treats with you! 🍰 Tootsie and Tati is a Brooklyn-based online bakery bringing you both traditional and inspired flavors. Whether you’re craving classic Filipino baked goods or curious to try something new, we’ve got something special just for you.