We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Anita Bennett. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Anita below.

Anita, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

My concept and business plan was simple. Everyone absolutely loved my family’s homemade toffee so I decided that I would start a little company to make and sell this delicious buttercrunch candy. I had no capital so Sunset Bay Candy would start by selling at farmers markets. Then, as we built sales and profit, the business would transition to online and wholesale. Simple, right? And now that I had a plan, it was time to start the due diligence. I researched everything  kitchens, permits, ingredients, packaging vendors, insurance, logos, and marketing. But no matter how thorough one is, there are always surprises which normally come with a cost. The biggest surprise was that even though I spoke to health inspectors and always ended the conversation asking if there was anything else I should know, they forgot to tell me one important detail: Not only is there a permit for cooking, but a permit is needed from each county in which we sell. Since we were on a budget, this was huge and cost about $500 per county per year!

Our first year was an exciting time: Working late at night in a little old diner built in the 1930s until we moved to a new commercial kitchen; working at farmers markets and events in four counties even on cold, blustery, rainy days; becoming part of the artisan community; and making lifelong friends.

Now that we have moved to San Diego County and no longer do farmers markets, it’s amazing to realize how much we’ve learned and how much we’ve overcome on this journey. We are grateful for the good friends and awesome customers we’ve met along the way. We still participate at select local events since it’s hard to give up completely. Every time we set up at an event, it reminds us of where we came from and the wonderful journey we’re still on.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Making candies and other sweets in our home kitchen was always my passion. Using family favorite recipes, from a young age I would create, wrap up, and give away plates of goodies to family and friends. As I became busy with my family and my job, I was always on the lookout for truly special gifts that could replace my handcrafted treats. However, I mostly found high volume, manufactured candies that tasted okay, but didn’t give the same personal “made for you” connection.

We started Sunset Bay Candy with the idea that we would make homestyle candies as an option to make that sweet connection by giving mouthwatering, handmade gifts. Not everyone can spend the time or has the desire to make the special homestyle candies of years gone by. So that’s what we do  we handmake all of our candies and sweet treats and then package them to surprise and delight. What better way to connect and show you care?

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I truly believe obstacles and challenges are opportunities in disguise. When the pandemic hit, it totally affected our business making it necessary to pivot in a big way to survive.

The majority of our business was and still is business to business. Most of our clients depended on us for custom gifts that they could hand deliver to clients, associates, etc. It was a way of building a relationship, a way of being remembered. But then, all of a sudden, virtual and Zoom was the norm. No more in person meetings and gatherings. No more hand delivering special gifts.

At the time, we already had an active website but it was informational only. It became very obvious that Sunset Bay Candy would need to open an e-commerce website and offer shipping to survive. So we dove right into it, looking at all the website and e-commerce decisions, but also special permits and considerations for shipping a food item. I can honestly admit, it was way more complicated and there were many more parts to this project than I ever imagined. So much so that sometimes it was extremely overwhelming.

The only way I make it through any challenge is to take “baby steps”. I’ve learned that by keeping my eye on the goal while taking one intentional step at a time, the company will navigate obstacles and move down the path in a good direction. When I get sidetracked (I always do) I get right back on the path towards that destination.

Finally, for us, everything came together and we now have an active, relevant website where our customers can place orders or contact us for custom candies and assortments. We are excited and grateful that through all of this, we now offer shipping to give our clients the opportunity to send our delicious handmade candies to destinations all over the US.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe it’s up to a business to define and work within a set of core values that become the cornerstone for its reputation. Employees, customers, vendors, and other companies recognize a business’ culture and react accordingly.

Sunset Bay Candy proudly and openly works within 6 core values which are:
1. Customer Focus: Supporting our customers in their success by focusing on and maintaining an unparalleled customer experience, an amazing product, and smooth and timely fulfillment.
2. Our Team: Is our most valuable asset. Commitment to opportunities in a positive, supportive environment.
3. Entrepreneurial: System-based business; focus on innovation and meeting challenges in positive and creative way.
4. Passion: For helping others through our successful business and delicious candies. Eager to inspire and share.
5. Integrity: Is the backbone of everything we do. Ethical, trustworthy, authentic.
6. Fun: Attention to responsibilities and details in an upbeat and positive culture.

I am proud of our values and what Sunset Bay Candy stands for. We are extremely grateful to our customers who, through testimonials, referrals, social media and more, have organically spread the word that we provide delicious homestyle candies and excellent customer service.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sunsetbaycandy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunsetbaycandy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SunsetBayCandy
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sunsetbaycandy

Image Credits
Melanie Robertson Photography