1. Tell us about your family and your business.
I am a mom to a beautiful and inquisitive 2.5-year-old little girl; Coastal Candy was born because I wanted to find an opportunity to make money doing something I enjoyed while still being with my daughter.
2. Can you tell us about your entrepreneurial journey and what inspired you to start your own candy business?
I’ve always been a “Pinterest mom”; I love seeing an idea and trying to find a way to bring it to life on my own with my own twist on it. I’ve always made treats for my friends and families’ events, and a friend of mine suggested I start doing this for others, so last summer, I created an Instagram to showcase my work and it took off immediately.
3. What makes your candy kabobs unique and different from other sweet treats?
Quality. A lot of times my customers will ask what makes my company different from others who do similar work and my answer I always the same. I truly believe that making something look great shouldn’t have to sacrifice taste and quality. I use high end candy and supplies to ensure every project looks and tastes great.
4. How did you balance the demands of being a mom and starting a business? Any tips for other moms looking to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams?
I involve my daughter. It may take longer to get a project done but I involve her in any aspects I can, counting out packaging, picking colors, shopping for supplies, etc. I have a great support system in my family who always helps when needed with my business and my daughter.
5. What were some of the challenges you faced when starting your candy kabob business, and how did you overcome them?
In the beginning, everything was trial and error—the types of candy to buy, the packaging and supplies, etc. I tried a lot of different methods to ensure I was delivering the best product, it’s important to me to treat each project like it was for my own child’s event, and that helped me really make sure I was delivering the best quality possible.
6. Can you share a memorable experience or success story related to your candy kabob business?
I’ve been slowly growing my brand, word of mouth is the absolute best comment. I recently was contacted by a Bravo celebrity who asked me about doing kabobs for their children’s events which I’m excited to share once we finish the project.
7. What strategies did you use to market and promote your candy kabobs? Any advice for other mompreneurs on effective marketing tactics?
I haven’t done any paid marketing. When you are small each order counts and I’ve been lucky enough to have some amazing customers who have spread the word to their family and friends. My advice to anyone starting a business, find your niche and perfect it. The customers will come after that.
8. How do you manage production and fulfill orders while taking care of your family?
That part can be rough! It’s all about planning. I plan ahead each week to make sure I can devote enough time to fulfilling and planning out orders for the coming weeks.
9. Are there any future plans or goals you have for your candy kabob business? Are any exciting new flavors or products in the works?
I always want to be evolving! For me the creative aspect comes first, I am always trying to plan out and think about new designs and concepts I can bring my customers.
10. What have been the most rewarding aspects of being a mompreneur in the candy industry?
I love when my customers tell me, “ the kabobs were a hit, the kids were so excited”. That truly brings me joy knowing I was able to help make your child’s event that much more special.
11. Lastly, what message or advice would you like to share with other moms who aspire to start their own business but may be hesitant to leap?
My only advice is, keep doing it! Try, fail, and try again. Experience is the best teacher. With anything, the more you practice, the better you get, and the more you believe in yourself and your product, the better you will be. I deliver each job with confidence; I know each project is getting 100% from me, and I think that shows in my products.
You can reach Samantha to order your own Candy Kabobs and sweet treats on her order form and follow her and her journey on Instagram at CostalCandyCo.
Photography by Jarred Austin Photography
Flowers + Kids Activities: @hometownflowerco
Balloons + Styling: @bruggerandco.decor
Bounce House: @chiccasabounce
Marquee: @alphalitlongisland
Picnic: @luxurypicnics_ny
Signage,Table name plates: @desi_creationsli
Desserts: @thetreateryli
Candy: @coastalcandyco