The Candy Company of Saratoga Springs on Washington St. has been a provider of sweet treats to the spa city, since 1998. They’ve had a few changes since then (like the name for one) but one thing that’s remained the same is their love and passion for candy and Saratoga Springs!
The other day, I had a chance to speak with owner and candy maker, Dawn Oesch, about how she got her start and what drives her to be successful in such a unique business. She also shared with me, some of her old #Throwback photos. Here’s some Q&A.
Q: How did you get your start as a teen?
A: I started working at Whopping Good Sweets in Lake Placid. I had already worked for my parents in a bakery so switching to candy was pretty easy. My boss started me slow with all the work in the store and then gradually let me start making things. I was never bored and loved every minute of it.
Q: When did you know this was going to be your career? What sparked it?
A: I went to college for marketing and small business management so I knew I wanted to do something in business. One day my dad asked me, “What was you favorite job?” and I told him, the candy store. He said, “Then do what you love.”
Q: How long have you been working with candy and chocolates?
A: 24 years.
Q: How long have you been in Saratoga? Was the shop always in the same location?
A: I have lived in Saratoga since 1996. I loved how Lake Placid and Saratoga Springs were so similar yet ‘toga was bigger. My best friend and I moved here together out of college. If you can be in love with a place then I am with Saratoga Springs. My store started in 1998 and has always been at 5 Washington St. It was first called The Candy-Gram but legal issues forced me to change the name in 2007…but that’s for a different story.
Q: What’s your favorite candy for the holiday season?
A: This holiday? I’m a sucker for a good gumdrop. I also love PB ribbon candy and peanut brittle. I can also dabble in a truffle now and then. Do I really have to give one answer? I LOVE IT ALL!!
If you’re looking for some great holiday gift ideas or to just indulge in some of the best candy in the area, stop by The Candy Company of Saratoga Springs.
