Successful Dias Festivos Booth and my web site is LIVE!! How Exciting!

The past few weeks have been VERY busy, to say the least.  I had a booth at Dias Festivos and it was a complete success!  It was SO exciting watching people's faces as they tasted the candy--going from thinking 'ok, this is just fudge/toffee/caramels' to visible amazement, pleasure, surprise and comments like "Oh my God, this is Amazing!" or "Wow!"  How fun!

Now, I'm recuperating for a few hours before I run some errands and then get ready for the Christmas orders.  I've already had some orders placed today, so it looks like I'll be pretty busy the rest of this month...  Yey!!

December website launch!

December 1st-4th I will have a booth at Dias Festivos in McAllen, TX. This will be my first big exposure to the local area. I've been working hard to prepare and I hope for a really great event.

On December 5th we will launch my official website. At that time people will be able to either purchase candy for themselves or have it shipped for gifts. I'm really excited about the site! Be sure to check it out!! I'll be posting more regularly from this point on.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

Until the next time...

My third month...

Things are going great!  Regulations required that I had to cook in a commercial kitchen and I'm really been enjoying 'having my own place'.  Not only does it have a great area for the kitchen, but it also has an office area. I can make my candy, do my books and then come home and be 'done'.

I've finally sent some information to my Webmaster, so my official website should be up and running very soon.  I've also been working with a graphics designer and will have some business cards and flyers ready shortly.  Then it'll be time to 'hit the pavement' to promote my candy to some local businesses.

Thanks to those of you who have ordered and/or encouraged me up to this point.  I'm glad I followed through and started this business and look forward to what the future holds.

My first week is behind me... : )

Update 5/10/11

 

My first week was a great success.  I'm getting more and more comfortable in my new Commercial Kitchen.  I received my warm weather packaging and have shipped something to my parents in Arizona for a test run, so once I'm satisfied that you will receive your candy without damage, everything will be available for shipping.

 

The official website is still in the works, but I'm excited at what I've seen so far.  He's doing a Great job!  You can purchase the Creamy Caramels through ebay in the meantime.  Just do a search for Diana's Toffee Haus.  Thanks!

Last week before the business launch!!

May 1st is my launch date!  This week I'll be setting up my commercial kitchen and ordering a few last shipping items and supplies.  It's been a long time coming...


My official website isn't quite ready yet, so in the meantime, I updated my unofficial page with product pictures and some info on pricing, packaging and shipping.  Check it out:  www.dianastoffeehaus.com


I am going to be setting up an ebay store as well.  I'll be working on that in the next few days so you can begin to buy products on-line.  Once the official website is up, you'll have both on-line options to choose from.  For those who live in the Rio Grande Valley, I will be marketing my products locally and also plan to target various venues throughout Texas once I get my sea legs...  ;)

Baby Steps

There are a lot of steps involved in get this business started.  I'm working on cost/pricing and packaging right now and then I'll be taking around samples to local businesses to see what level of interest there is.  Once I've done this and have a fair amount of positive feedback, I will then begin applying for the required permits and licenses as well as  insurance .  Then I will be ready to fix up and move into my kitchen and get this ball rolling.  It's getting closer...  : )

First Post

I love making candy!  As I said on the main description, I've been doing this for 30 years or so...  Before I was married, where I worked, one of my responsibilities was making "Million Dollar Fudge" and "Pecan Pralines".  When I got married, I asked my Mom for her "Butter Almond Toffee" recipe that she would make for Christmas every year.  Now I could finally have all I wanted!  This is definitely my most favorite!!


I made Fudge for many fundraisers.  I just made Toffee at Christmas because it was a bit more involved.  It seemed like every year someone mentioned that I should sell the candy.


This year, as I was considering beginning this venture, I decided to do some more experimenting, so I asked my Mom,  Aunt and Sister for recipes that they would recommend.  I made "Creamy Caramels" with pecans for the first time this year.  This has quickly become a favorite of anyone who has tasted them.  I will be adding some more recipes to my repertoire in the near future.  Some are recipes from my Grandmother and even my Great Grandmother.


I don't want to limit myself to only making candy.  I LOVE to bake too, so I'll probably have some baked goods available soon as well.


My e-mail is dianastoffeehaus@gmail.com.  I am also developing a website which will be going up shortly.  www.dianastoffeehaus.com


Be sure to check in for future updates!


Diana