Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlen Escatel
Hi Marlen, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Back in 2020, I was on maternity leave with my first baby, and I was facing a tough decision: I had to return to work in April, but as a first-time mom, I really wanted to stay home and spend more time with my baby. I started thinking about ways I could still earn an income while being there for my little one. The question was: what could I do from home?
One day, I saw a commercial for Edible Arrangements, and a lightbulb went off in my head. “I could sell chocolate-covered strawberries!”. The idea seemed simple, creative, and flexible enough to allow me to work from home. I could make something people love and share it with others as a gift, all while staying close to my baby.
With determination and a bit of research, I took the leap. I started experimenting with chocolate-covered strawberries—figuring out the best techniques, sourcing ingredients, and setting up a way to market my new business. It wasn’t easy, but it felt right. I started small, offering the treats to family and friends, and before I knew it, word started spreading.
Over time, I refined my process, learned how to manage orders, and built my customer base. I turned my initial passion into a steady business, all while being a mom and working from home. The flexibility allowed me to balance both aspects of my life, and I began expanding—offering new flavors and adding personalized touches for special occasions. My business grew as more people saw the appeal of gifting chocolate-covered strawberries for birthdays, holidays, and celebrations.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As a new mom, balancing your baby’s needs with the demands of running a business was a huge challenge. Babies are unpredictable, and their needs come first, so it’s tough to carve out the time needed to focus on my business, especially in the early days. The lack of sleep, constant care, and figuring out a routine all while trying to keep your business afloat was not easy.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My business is all about creating sweet, personalized treats that make any occasion a little brighter. I specialize in custom treat tables, and a variety of other decadent sweets like chocolate covered strawberries, cupcakes, churro cheesecake, caramel apples, and hot chocolate bombs.
Each treat is made with love and attention to detail, and I pride myself on making every order feel special. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, corporate event, or even a “just because” treat, I create custom designs that add a personal touch to every celebration.
What really sets my business apart is the customization and personalization I offer. I don’t just sell chocolate-covered strawberries; I create works of edible art. Whether you’re looking for strawberries dipped in decadent chocolate and decorated with sprinkles, drizzles, or glitter, or want a treat table with a specific theme—whether it’s a baby shower, wedding, or holiday—every order is unique and designed just for you.
I also strive to provide an exceptional customer experience, which I think is key. From the moment someone places an order to the delivery of the final product, I aim to make sure each customer feels valued. I love working with clients to help them bring their vision to life, and I always take the time to discuss their needs, preferences, and any special details they want incorporated into their treats.
One of the things I’m most proud of is how I’ve been able to build a brand that people trust. From word-of-mouth referrals to repeat customers, seeing the joy that my treats bring to people on their special occasions is incredibly rewarding. When a customer trusts me to create something for an important day—whether it’s a wedding, baby shower, or milestone birthday—it means a lot to me, and I work hard to exceed their expectations.
If you’re looking for high-quality, beautifully crafted treats that are as delicious as they are visually stunning, I’m here to help make your event unforgettable. I specialize in creating customized, unique sweets for all types of celebrations—no order is too big or too small. Whether you want an elegant chocolate-covered strawberry arrangement, a fun hot chocolate bomb gift set, or a full treat table that’ll be the talk of your event, I’ve got you covered.
What I offer is more than just sweets; it’s an experience. From the personalization of each treat to the careful packaging and timely delivery, I’m dedicated to making sure that your order is perfect from start to finish. My products are made with the finest ingredients, and I always ensure that every order is fresh, carefully prepared, and delivered on time.
I want everyone to know that I’m passionate about creating memories through food. For me, it’s not just about baking—it’s about bringing joy to your celebrations, making people smile, and giving you the kind of sweet experience that lasts in your mind long after the last bite.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
A huge part of my success goes to my husband, who has been my rock throughout this entire journey. From the very beginning, he’s been there to support me, encourage me, and help me believe in my dreams. Starting a business while balancing motherhood was no easy feat, but he made sure I had the space and the confidence to dream big. Whether it was brainstorming ideas late at night, helping with the kids when I’m at an event, or just giving me the emotional support I needed when I felt overwhelmed, he’s been there every step of the way.
His unwavering belief in me and my business has been one of the biggest driving forces behind everything I’ve accomplished. I’m so grateful to have him by my side, and I truly couldn’t have done it without him.
Pricing:
- Treat Tables starting at $250.00
- Chocolate Covered Strawberries starting at $40.00
- Churro Cheesecake Trays $55.00
- Caramel Apples starting at $8.00
- Hot Chocolate Bombs starting at $6.00
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marlene.escatel
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thinksweetbymarlene
