Makers & Shakers: Toute Douceur Candy

Toute Douceur Candy

Woman-Owned Business

Instagram: @toute.doucuer.candy

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TouteDouceurCandy

Website: www.toutedouceurcandy.com

Current Gum Pop Presents Events: Platte Street Fall BAZAAR, Street Food Social, Holiday BAZAAR

Location: Morrison, CO

“[Our name] references Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn when he was courting her. He called her 'Toute Douceur', which is 'all sweetness'. When I read that, I knew that was the name of my business.”

Tell us about yourself! What’s your background and what do you do?

I have been making confections since 2012. Before it became my main focus, I worked all sorts of different jobs just to pay the bills. When I found candy, it just clicked with my brain--I knew it was the only thing I wanted to do.

How did you learn your craft? Tell us about your first finished product.

I am completely self-taught. I grabbed every book I could possibly find and just did everything through trial and error. I remember the first product that I actually sold, and it was such a mess, nowhere near what I produce now. But I sold it to a small business owner, and he definitely made me feel like I could go far with my business. I still have a dollar from that first purchase that I have kept in my Lucky Cat bank since then. I have come so far from then

Where does the name of your business come from?

It references Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn when he was courting her. He called her 'Toute Douceur', which is 'all sweetness'. When I read that, I knew that was the name of my business.

How long does it take to make your product and what’s involved in the process?

It depends on the product, but I would say that, on average, my products take at least two days from start to finish. A lot of what I do needs to sit and set before it can go into the next phase. Truffles for example, the ganache needs to set before it can be scooped and hand-rolled, then the rolled ganache needs to sit to firm up enough to be dipped in chocolate and hold its shape.

Where does your inspiration come from?

I get a lot of inspiration from the people around me, some of it from things I did very early on that I want to redo and perfect. I also love seasonal flavors and creating confections that change with them.

What three words would you use to describe your product/service?

Funky Street Confections

What’s your favorite product that you’ve created?

It's really hard to pick just one, but I would say my Thai Peanut Butter Cups is in the top three. I love making fun twists off of common confections, and the balance of flavors in these took quite a lot of work to get just right.

What question do you get asked the most at pop-up markets?

I get asked ‘What's your favorite thing you make?’ most.

What is your favorite Gum Pop Presents event?

I loved doing the Valentines Day BAZAAR. I love love!

What other Gum Pop Presents vendor are you dying to collaborate with?

Also, a hard question, especially since I've connected with so many. Any time I can connect with another small business for ingredients, I do my best to make it happen.

What’s something unique about you that most people don’t know (or wouldn’t guess)?

I used to be a terrible cook--like burn water terrible. When I told my family that I wanted to have a business making candy, they thought I was joking.

What is your favorite thing about being a creator in Colorado?

The small business community.

What's your go-to hang out spot in Denver?

Being a mom and business owner, I don't really hang out anywhere, but I love to go kayaking when I can.

If you had one extra hour of free time every day, how would you use it?

Clean, cook, spend time with my family, read--if I can sit still long enough.