Alumni spotlight: Alumna honors mother’s leche flan recipe with pop-up shop

Alumna Julianne Zuniga (B.A. ’18, M.P.A. ’24) is a small business owner who turned a cherished family tradition into a community favorite. Zuniga studied Criminal Justice and earned a Master of Public Administration from SFSU before launching her business LouLou’s Leche Flan in 2024.

“The tradition of making leche flan goes back many years for me,” Julianne said. “It started with my mom, who would make dozens of flans for our Christmas celebrations. I remember watching her in the kitchen, learning that every detail mattered.”

Inspired by those cherished memories, Zuniga began making the dessert for friends and family, eventually realizing she could turn her passion into something more.

A fond childhood nickname, “LouLou,” was what her parents called Zuniga’s mom. It was the perfect name for the business, Zunigas says, a way to pay tribute to her mother.

“This business means the world to me — it’s a piece of my heart and a reminder of those special moments spent in the kitchen with my mom,” she added.

As a first-generation Filipina American, Zuniga knows firsthand the struggles and sacrifices immigrant parents make to create opportunities for their children. Staying connected to her roots, she donates a portion of her proceeds to Project PEARLS, an organization working to end poverty in the Philippines through nutrition, education and health care.

“Supporting them is not just a donation — it’s a commitment I intend to uphold as my business grows,” she said.

Zuniga has participated in several foodie pop-up events across the Bay Area and is now taking a big step with a temporary stall at Stonestown Galleria. She’ll be there throughout the month of July during normal mall hours (11 a.m. – 8 p.m.).

She’s especially looking forward to serving SFSU Gators, she says. 

Follow her journey and get a taste of tradition on Instagram: @LouLousLecheFlan