A Palm Bay mum who whisked into action to make sure friends and family received a sweet treat during lockdown has just scooped a silver award for her amazing fudge.
Chloe Nicholson initially just wanted to let people know she was thinking of them during the pandemic but word of her fantastic fudge began to spread and she began getting messages asking if people could make an order.
So, in April 2020, after registering with the council, gaining her hygiene rating and finding the appropriate insurance, Chloe’s Fudgey Fancies was born.
The mum-of-three said: “It was absolutely manic during lockdown, I was doing contactless doorstep deliveries every evening across Thanet, and it didn’t take long to hit 1000 followers on Facebook!
“As the world slowly adjusted back into functioning again, we were able to purchase all the equipment to start attending events and markets. We attend Cliftonville Farmers Market on the last Sunday of each month, Charlotte Court market and craft fayre in Ramsgate on the last Saturday of every month, Ellington Park events, Baytastic in Herne Bay, Westgate Light Switch On, charity events including Margate Football club, Broadstairs fayres and others which really helped the business grow even further and get our name out there.
With the business entering its third year the 31-year-old decided to push a bit harder – and enter the Taste of Kent Awards.
That decision has resulted in pop-up shops and a silver award from Taste of Kent.
Chloe said: “I really wanted to push the business forward that bit more, I’m not looking to have a shop at the moment due to having three young children but this year I’ve done pop up shops which have proved hugely popular and pushed myself to Enter the Taste of Kent Awards! I’m so glad I did!
“The networking event held before the awards ceremony was absolutely fantastic. An amazing opportunity to bring all the finalists together and showcase the incredible produce Kent has to offer.
“We met with some big business names, and it was a really successful afternoon. The evening was so well hosted with black tie, complimentary drinks, and then a buffet style dinner afterwards completely supplied by the amazing produce from the finalists.”
Chloe creates her fudge at home and makes a range of fantastic flavours, including salted caramel, chilli chocolate and crunchie. But the former hospitality worker confesses her fudge making skills have not come from a love of cooking.
She said: “My husband Jordan does most of the cooking at home. The fudge started out as a lockdown thing, everyone was doing something new or fixing up the house. I did all the house things and then I was bored.”
The recent awards have also resulted in a boost to business.
Chloe said: “I am so pleased to have received the silver confectionary award 2023 and feel it has definitely helped to boost sales and publicity.
“My posts about the Taste of Kent Awards received the most interaction of all my posts ever and I’ve gained more followers and new customers both locally and nationwide too. We post nationwide and our fudge has even travelled to France and Germany!”
As business continues to grow Chloe would like to continue with the pop-ups and try new ways of trading. She said: “I’d love to have a beach hut, look at Folkestone Harbour Arm, Thanet needs something like that to give small business owners an opportunity.”
