Today we’d like to introduce you to Carly Kahn.
Hi Carly, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Trying to get a job during the beginning of the pandemic was difficult, and after hearing repeated no’s I took it upon myself to start my own confectionary business. Throughout my high school years, I sold chocolate-covered strawberries for Valentine’s Day and never thought much of starting a serious business like that until last May. I was delivering dozens of strawberries weekly and participating in two local farmer’s markets in which I started expanding my menu to chocolate-covered pretzels and Oreos. What brings people back to my markets or placing orders are my unique signature flavors like Strawberry Shortcake, Fruity Pebbles, and Coconut to name a few. Now that I have returned to college, I continue to do a weekly market and my strawberries are now being served in a local restaurant.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think everyone can say 2020 was extremely difficult but trying to run a new business during a pandemic is even more so. Events where people usually sold were canceled, so I had to safely cater to new customers in an outdoor setting, where melting chocolate and experimentation came to play. Shortly after everything was falling into place, my grandma passed away a few months into the peak of my business, which took a toll on my family and ability to work. A week later I had to return to school three and a half hours away from my family. Being a full-time student with schoolwork and struggling to maintain a social life while running a business started to consume me. Despite all of these odds, I could not be any more grateful to do this and I know there is a purpose for the madness.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in chocolate-covered treats: strawberries, Oreos, pretzels, bananas, name any fruit and I’ve probably dipped it in chocolate. I am always perfecting my craft and have expanded to baking cakes, cupcakes, and the internet sensation Hot Chocolate Bombs. As far as my custom orders, my arrangements can be as simple as a white bakery box with our pink packaging to a box with your initial full of fresh flowers and dozens of strawberries. However, If you were to come up to my booth at a farmer’s market, the first things you would notice are my colorful fruity pebbles or delicious strawberry shortcake berries. My variety of flavors is something you can’t find from large corporations nowadays. Throughout all my platforms, I try to respond quickly and be as resourceful as possible to provide my clients with the best experience and try to make their days and events a little sweeter!
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Throughout the last few months, I have learned that you have to be your own biggest supporter. As an independent business owner, you might lose friends because your values don’t align anymore, or the people you thought were once we’re on your side now buy from your competitors. As a nineteen-year-old, it is difficult adjusting to this harsh reality, but at the end of the day, the only one who understands your vision is you, and not everyone will support you and that’s okay. It is the people that love and support you that make creating so much more enjoyable!
Contact Info:
- Email: carlysconfectionsco@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlysconfectionsco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carlysconfectionsco
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/crlysconfection?lang=en
