Today we’d like to introduce you to Hellen Ciceri.
Hi Hellen, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Hellen Ciceri, and I am the founder of TIPIKO, a small family business that is undoubtedly a hidden gem in Utah. TIPIKO was born from the desire to start a business, the economic need to support my family, and the love for the flavors of my Colombian roots and traditional artisanal cooking that connects me to my culture and history.
In addition to being an entrepreneur, I am a natural sciences and environmental education teacher, which has greatly influenced how I view my business. When I decided to start TIPIKO, I wanted my economic activity not only to support my family but also to contribute to environmental conservation. That is why at TIPIKO we make our empanadas using artisanal and natural processes, always aiming to care for the planet.
My dream is that through our empanadas, people not only enjoy authentic and nutritious flavors but also develop a conscious and responsible consumption awareness. TIPIKO is more than just a business: it is a way to share culture, promote health, and support a sustainable lifestyle—all from this small but vibrant community in Utah.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like any entrepreneurial journey, TIPIKO’s path has been full of challenges. One of the main obstacles has been sourcing authentic ingredients needed to prepare our artisanal empanadas. Many of these products are not easily found in the local market, which has required creativity and persistence to maintain quality and original flavor.
Another significant challenge at the start was the financial aspect. Entrepreneurship is exciting but demanding—it requires a lot of effort, capital, and resilience. With limited resources, we had to optimize every process and rely on family support to bring the TIPIKO dream to life.
Additionally, raising awareness about the importance of responsible and sustainable consumption has been a constant challenge. We want our consumers to understand that choosing natural products, free from chemicals and made with artisanal processes, benefits not only their health but also the planet.
As you know, we’re big fans of TIPIKO . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At TIPIKO, we craft our empanadas through a completely artisanal process that honors Colombian traditions and carefully attends to every detail, starting with the yellow corn grain. We cook it ourselves, grind it, and transform it into fresh dough, bringing to life empanadas that are then frozen to preserve their flavor and freshness without using chemicals or preservatives.
Our main product line focuses on frozen empanadas, ideal for those seeking convenience without sacrificing quality or authenticity. However, we also occasionally offer freshly fried empanadas—golden, crispy, and irresistible.
Each TIPIKO empanada is made with love and with the final consumer in mind. That’s why our products are fresh, natural, nutritious, gluten-free, and free from chemicals, preservatives, and artificial flavors. We also maintain fair pricing so that a healthy and delicious snack is accessible to everyone.
The values guiding our work are cultural authenticity, artisanal quality, family commitment, conscious value, and sustainability. These principles motivate us to always offer the best, respecting our roots and caring for the planet.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The ethnic food and healthy snacks market in the United States is growing rapidly. More and more people are seeking authentic, natural, and convenient options, especially within the Latino community and among health-conscious consumers.
TIPIKO has a great opportunity by offering artisanal frozen empanadas that maintain traditional quality and flavor, made for the whole family—from children to older adults—and perfect to enjoy any time of the day and at any event, making it easier for more people to enjoy authentic food at home.
Additionally, we manufacture both wholesale and retail, allowing us to reach different types of customers and markets. We aim to connect with everyone who is part of Utah: the Latino community, locals, and other foreigners who appreciate good food and authenticity.
Although competition exists, we are confident that our authenticity, commitment to quality, and sustainable approach will allow us to grow and establish ourselves as a trusted and beloved brand in the community.
Contact Info:
- Email: tipiko.empanada@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tipiko_utah/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576782298547
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@tipiko.1?_t=ZP-8xLgast0BkU&_r=1
