I can't believe how time has flown by! I always thought that I would return to my 'proper job', that this would just be for the summer, but actually once you start a small business it gets very hard to stop!

Since I started Candyhouse in 2000 I have had to move the business three times, starting from my family kitchen to our current location. We have grown organically over the years without any scary loans, but with lots of advice, humour and help from family and friends with the odd glass of wine too of course.

My father was self employed, and both my older brothers are enjoying success with their businesses, so it seems it must be in our blood - not everyone can cope with the daily challenges that come with running your own business, but once you have found your thing its impossible to to give up!

Whilst growing my business I have also had a son, and renovated a house bought at auction. Both were huge things to juggle along with the business, and each a challenge on their own. I always look at Candyhouse as my first child (sleepless nights, energy zapping, growing pains, milestones, to name a few) but business and creativity is always something I have enjoyed, and making it all work is so rewarding. Not to mention the tasting that has to be done every time a new product is discovered...