Today we’d like to introduce you to Nancy Flint.
Sugar Mamma Caramels all began as a gift of love. Since 2009, the founder and confectioner, Nancy Gulizia-Flint, had been gifting family and friends with her signature Sea Salt Caramels every Christmas. Encouraged by their “oohing and ahhing” every year, Nancy entered a local candy-making contest and won! The award led to a local TV spot and a CFO (Cottage Food Operation) was born!
Sugar Mamma Caramels can be found in shops all over San Diego, as well as in my frequent partnerships with my friends in ice cream parlors, local wineries, and coffee shops! As the consistent winner of San Diego’s Favorite Dessert, Sugar Mamma Caramels remain a local favorite. Now Nancy has expanded her line of caramels to 18 seasonal flavors and added baked goods like cookies and brownies as well as truffles and caramel sauces. Follow along with her Instagram @sugar_mamma62 for exciting news and weekly specials!
Now offering curbside pick up at Sugar Mamma Headquarters in charming Talmadge, San Diego.
Her mission is to make high quality, hand-crafted, small batch caramels using no additives or preservatives. Nancy makes her caramels to order, filling requests for one bag or 2,000 bags!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting a CFO is not easy. I learned how to start this small sweet business all on my own. There are many hoops to jump through to become a licensed, permitted certified home kitchen, but it was all worth it. Like so many other small businesses in San Diego, the pandemic hit my business hard when all my retailers had to close their doors, especially the hotels. I lost 70% of my business. But, I learned to pivot and work even harder to gain local brand awareness and add a curbside pick up service. San Diegans came through with amazing support!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a confectioner and baker, I specialize in handcrafted all natural caramels and baked goods. I am known for my customer service, my frequent collaborations with other small businesses in San Diego, and truly putting love into everything I create. I am most proud of building this business from scratch (pun intended) and succeeding through the years while making so many friends with my customers and fellow artisans.
I believe what sets me apart is that I am a sole proprietor and create every single thing by hand including wrapping 100’s of 1000’s of caramels in bio-degradable cellophane.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I have great hope for the future of small businesses. I think the pandemic has taught the public to appreciate what we work so hard to offer using only the finest of ingredients made with love and great care.
Contact Info:
- Email: sugarmamma62@gmail.com
- Website: www.SugarMammaCaramels.com
- Instagram: @sugar_mamma62
- Facebook: facebook.com/SugarMammaDesserts
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sugar-mamma-caramels-san-diego
