We were lucky to catch up with Christina Rizzo recently and have shared our conversation below.
Christina, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Ever since I was a child, my mom and I have always loved candy, trying new flavors, shapes, or brands we haven’t had before was always so exciting and fun. Candy is something simple that can provide so much joy. I always thought what a dream it would be to have a candy shop, finding and sourcing candy you can’t get at the grocery store or gas station, creating themed mixes, or allowing customers to create their own, When Covid hit a lot of local (Pittsburgh) candy stores with pick n’ mix options had closed and never reopened. In Feb 2024 I really started thinking, if I’m so sad about the lack of local candy shops are other people? Is now the time for me to start my own candy shop? How do I start? Where will I get the candy? Do I open a shop? Where will it be, how can I afford it? With a lot of help and support from my husband I was able to create a small and doable business plan that still allowed me to maintain my day job and all the things that come with being a mom. Deciding that starting online ordering with local pickup would be the best place to begin, with the lowest risk and the most flexibility. Then came all of the fun stuff, creating a name and logo, website, social media, finding local and online bulk candy suppliers. Keeping in mind dietary restrictions and intolerances, to be able to have something for everyone (gf, vegan, sugar free) offering candy bags, jars, 6 or 12 sectioned boxes with a choose your candy style (pick n’mix) or general sweet and or sour if you’re looking to be surprised. So, for the past 7 months with support and love of family, friends, and customers I’ve been able to have this small and successful business, offering 70 different varieties of candy. Provided with many opportunities for pop ups and in person events, hopefully sharing with others the same happiness that I feel.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Christina, 38, wife, mom to 2 boys, and candy lover. Residing in Pittsburgh,PA By day working in Occupational Therapy helping individuals achieve their goals and improve their daily lives. In my spare time when not being a soccer mom, I indulge my sweet tooth with my online candy shop. Hoping to bring a little sweetness into the world one candy at a time.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
A great way to meet new people and introduce them to the Sweet Bite brand has been little pop ups at local craft shows and street festivals where you can fill your own bag or jar with your own variety
Do you sell on your site, or do you use a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc?
Purchases can be made through the website and also local pick up scheduled through facebook and Instagram.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sweetbite412.bigcartel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetbite_412?igsh=OW45OXlsdG1sMHl2&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/nQJNRryb8THKJA4N/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@sweetbite412?_t=8qAb5Z8zgle&_r=1
