Three Sisters, One Sweet Journey: The Story Behind Bruce County Nut and Fudge Co.
Written by Valiski Bernard
In the world of delectable delights, Bruce County Nut and Fudge has carved its own sweet path for the past two decades. What began as a family legacy has blossomed into a thriving business for three sisters, Melissa, Yvonne, and Tanya, who were inspired by their parents' successful confectionery venture spanning over 45 years. Steeped in tradition yet infused with their own fresh and modern twists, this trio has navigated challenges, embraced change, and stayed true to their passion for crafting delightful treats.
Tanya, Melissa, and Yvonne
Back in 2000 or so, our CEO and Co-founder Nada Shepherd was working the One Of A Kind Show for a knitwear designer who would always have a booth at the show. The designer introduced Nada to the women of Nut and Fudge Co. She suggested that if Nada required any assistance while working alone or needed someone to watch the booth in her absence, she could ask them. At the time, they had a small stand and sold fudge with a little bit of nuts… “I can’t remember if they sold apples or not. They were lovely, and we would say hi to each other every time the One Of A Kind Show was on.”
In 2006, when Nada was looking for vendors for her wedding, “There they were selling these gorgeous apples as guest gifts. We went with the CINFUL, a delicious caramel and cinnamon apple. Over the years, I have used them numerous times for corporate gifts, including a basket for Gayle King. We have had children around the same time, and it’s so cool to see a fellow entrepreneur grow into life at the same time as I am, especially a female.”
We had the pleasure of picking Tanya’s brain and present you with this insightful look into their success.
Roots of Inspiration
The sisters inherited more than just recipes from their parents; they inherited a legacy of hard work and dedication. The foundation laid by their parents' confectionery company fueled their drive to carry forward the family tradition. With a passion for creating irresistible treats, they added their unique touch to classic recipes, resonating with the loyal Nut and Fudge customer base.
“We are three sisters who have run and operated Nut and Fudge for the last 20 years. We were inspired by our parents, who had run a successful confectionery company for over 45 years. They perfected the classic recipes that our Nut and Fudge customers have grown to know but adopted from them and added our own fresh and modern twist.”
Facing Challenges Head-On
Like many small businesses, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought an unexpected twist. Relying heavily on craft shows across Canada, the sudden cancellations initially threw them into panic mode. However, adversity became a catalyst for change. Swiftly adapting, they revamped their online presence, delving into the world of e-commerce. What emerged from this tumultuous time was a resilient, thriving online business that has since become a cornerstone of their success.
“Our biggest challenge in our 20 years of business (like many other small businesses) was Covid. The majority of our business was exhibiting at craft shows across Canada. We had a website and did a bit of online business, but not a huge amount. When all the craft shows were cancelled, we first went into panic mode and then kicked into survival mode. We quickly updated our website and learned everything we needed to know about E-commerce. Through Covid, we became super busy and continue to have a strong online presence.”
The Supportive Circle
Taking the reins of the family business wasn't just about the sisters' journey; it was about the unwavering support of their parents. Their encouragement and belief in their daughters' abilities provided the much-needed foundation for growth and success.
“Our parents, most importantly, were super proud of us. They always supported every decision we made and allowed us to grow the business to what it is today. Our success has contributed to the fact that my sisters and I can lean on each other for all aspects of life. We all live close together and have each other's backs. This helps us balance our work/home life schedules. Whether it’s picking up each other's kids from school or watching them while one of us is across the country at a craft show. We know someone will always be there to help out.”
Empowering Other Entrepreneurs
For these sisters, being business owners has been an empowering journey. Their advice to aspiring entrepreneurs echoes their own experiences: follow your passion, embrace hard work, and believe in yourself. The balance between work and personal life, although challenging, reaps rewarding dividends when fueled by passion.
“Being your own boss is extremely fulfilling to us. Although it can be difficult at times to juggle work and home life, the reward outweighs the risk. My advice would be to follow your passion and do what you love. Hard work pays off, and as long as you are passionate, the work comes easy.”
Their journey isn’t solitary; it’s interwoven with a network of inspiring women. They actively engage with peers, supporting and learning from each other, fostering a community of empowerment and growth.
“We have a strong group of empowered women who have become not only our friends but also mentors through the years. Jaimie Harris from This Is J would be at the top of my list. We always take time to spend with each other, bouncing business ideas off of each other and keeping up to date with what’s going on in each other's businesses and lives. She is a remarkable mom, friend, and entrepreneur who is absolutely striving to do better.”
Balancing Act: Work, Life, and Success
Their success story isn’t just about the business; it’s about the harmony between their personal lives and professional endeavors. The sisters lean on each other, forming a support network that allows them to navigate the intricate balance between work commitments and family responsibilities seamlessly.
“The most rewarding experience about running your own business is we work very hard but also take time to travel and enjoy life. We often take family trips where we all travel together. We have been blessed to be able to travel together and show our children the world and the food and culture it has to offer. We stay motivated by taking breaks when we can. We also try to workout and do yoga as much as we can. All of these things help us keep a clear mind.”
Lessons Learned
The tumultuous times taught them invaluable lessons, emphasizing the importance of diversification. Their eye is set on growth, particularly through their recently launched website. With an unwavering focus on customer satisfaction and staying attuned to industry trends, they envision sustained growth and evolution for Nut and Fudge.
“The biggest lesson we learned was to make sure we expand our range of business. When we were faced with Covid, it really taught us to diversify as much as we could. We are so lucky to have made so many connections with customers over the years at craft shows, and now being able to continue the connection online has been great! We have always tried to make each and every customer feel special. We are so lucky to have such supportive customers.”
Sweet Success and Looking Ahead
Celebrating 20 years in business is a testament to their dedication and adaptability. Their future holds aspirations for continuous growth and expansion, leveraging their online presence to cement their brand in the confectionery world further.
“Our biggest success has been that we have been in business for 20 years! Watching our parents juggle their personal lives and work together for so many years really set the bar high for us. They had a great balance. Having sisters as business partners has been a great part of our success. We all offer qualities that are different but serve a purpose to make our company run successfully. We want to keep growing in all aspects of our business. We launched a new website on December 14th. It is where we would like to see most of our growth over time.
We’re all foodies at heart. My middle sister Melissa is a pastry chef and is always coming up with new creations that align with the latest trends in the industry. By doing this, we are always eating at new restaurants in Toronto and traveling as much as we can to stay on top of what is trending but also what is nostalgic.”
Prioritizing Wellness
Recognizing the significance of self-care, these sisters dedicate time to exercise and embrace wellness practices. As they embrace their 40s, nurturing a healthy lifestyle becomes paramount for sustaining their energy and focus.
“We take self-care and wellness very seriously over at Nut and Fudge. As we age and are in our 40s, we work a little harder to keep a clear head. We exercise 3 times a week and try to do yoga as much as possible.”
A Message from Tanya
“The one thing I want people to know is not to be afraid to lean on the people close to you. Life gets challenging, and creating a good support network helps when you absolutely need it.”
Nut and Fudge Co.'s journey is not just about creating delightful treats; it's also a story of family, resilience, and unwavering commitment. Melissa, Yvonne, and Tanya, the sisters behind the brand, embody the spirit of their parents' confectionary venture while adding their own modern twists to traditional recipes.
Despite the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the sisters quickly pivoted to e-commerce, allowing them to survive and thrive. They credit their success to the support they receive from their family, mentors, and the empowering women in their network.
Nut and Fudge Co. exemplifies the importance of diversification, sustained growth, and evolution. Their newly launched website marks a stepping stone towards broader horizons, as they combine tradition with the latest trends in the industry.
Celebrating their 20th year in business is a testament to their dedication, adaptability, and unity. As they prioritize wellness and self-care, they inspire not only with their treats but also with their commitment to nurturing themselves, ensuring sustained energy and focus for the journey ahead.
Above all, their message echoes the strength of leaning on each other - a value deeply ingrained in their ethos. Bruce County Nut and Fudge Co. is not just a confectionary brand; it's a story that resonates far beyond the realm of delightful sweets, embodying the power of family bonds, dedication, and adaptation.
Supporting Nut and Fudge Co. is more than just enjoying their delightful treats, it’s backing a story of resilience and dedication as they continue their journey.