CHIC FeTE Featured Vendor Series: Marsh&Mallow

Hey, Party People!

I'm happy to be back and writing about one of our favourite persons and talented marshmallow maker, Carly, of Marsh&Mallow!

I remember when I first heard of marshmallows as the new "in" dessert treat.  I was like "Really? They're white, fluffy...I can get them from the grocery store right?  What's the big deal?".  Tsk, tsk.  They are a BIG deal.  Marshmallows have quickly become one of the most sought after party desserts.  They have been transformed into sleek little rectangular shapes, infused with unique flavours and a chewy soft texture.  Local vendor, Marsh&Mallow, has this gourmet dessert down to an art form.

I first tried one of Carly's marshmallows when I won one of her Instagram contests and my immediate thought was, 'OMG, where have you been all my life!?!'  I was instantly hooked.  Since then, I have been lucky enough to try more of Marsh&Mallow and have discovered my ultimate favourite flavour ... Salted Caramel.  The salted caramel marshmallow is like winning the lottery in your mouth.  That's right, I didn't stutter.  And the goodness doesn't end there folks! Marsh&Mallow has a whole collection of delicious marshmallows to quench your tastebuds.  Don't be surprised if you find some berry seeds in your marshmallows.  Carly uses the finest ingredients, creating many of her sweet treats from fresh and organic produce.  So, technically, since its like biting into a strawberry, I can count it as a fruit serving right???  

We were lucky to have Marsh&Mallow be one of our vendors at our styled shoot for our official launch of our petite seats and rentals.  They made the perfect addition to our sweets table, and as long as we still have taste buds in our mouths they will continue to be a staple at our events.

GETTING TO KNOW CARLY
I recently had a chance to catch up with Carly and here are a few things she had to say about her sweet company.

Iliana:  How did you get started in the marshmallow making business?
Carly:  Many years ago I came across a recipe for homemade marshmallows and though my first attempt was an epic failure, I was hooked. Through trial and error, I eventually ditched the recipe and developed my own technique and recipe.  Having a full time corporate career, I needed a creative outlet, which naturally led me to pursue my love of creating sweet treats and turning it into a side venture.  This is how Marsh&Mallow was born. 

I:  Where do you get your flavour inspirations from?
C:  I get my inspiration from local, and organic in-season ingredients.  Summer's sweet berries make for the perfect strawberry marshmallows, or enjoy a cool summer breeze with the fresh, hand squeezed lime juice Margaritaville.  The holidays inspire a batch of mint chocolate marshmallows which are rolled in cocoa powder, drizzled with premium dark chocolate, and finished with a sprinkling of crushed candy cane.  None of my marshmallows contain artificial flavors, so they are named for the ingredients they contain. My marshmallows contain 100% fruit puree, premium chocolate, natural ingredients and flavoring. Only the best quality ingredients are used. 

I:  What is the hardest part of running your business?
C:  The hardest part in running my own business is continuing to push myself and believing in myself.  I am my own worst critic. Of course, there have been set backs, but I try to turn the negative into a positive and rather use it as a learning experience.  Luckily, I have a fantastic support system behind me, so when the going gets tough they know to just cheer a little louder.

I:  What is the best part?
C:  The best part is all the amazing feedback I have been receiving. Being able to create a product that I truly believe in, that I know is damn good, and having customers keep coming back for more. 

I:  Where do you see Marsh&Mallow in 5 years?
C:  I see Marsh&Mallow having a store front right here in Vancouver, where I will continue to create superior handmade marshmallows. I don’t have any interest in being stuck behind a desk running a business; I want to continue to be the woman behind the brand; creating these delectable treats and seeing all the happy faces of those enjoying them.

I:  What is the best piece of advise someone has given you in regards to starting your own business?
C:  There are always going to be haters, but to realize the fact that you have haters very well means that you are actually on your way to success. After all, others are taking the time to think about you, and being positive or negative, it still means you are making an impact. That is something to draw strength from.

NOW FOR THE SERIOUS STUFF
I:  What is your guilty pleasure?
C:  Curling up in bed on a Saturday night and binge watching Netflix.

I:  Who is your celebrity crush?
C:  That’s an easy one, Tom Hardy! *swoon*
     (For the record, I would like to make it known that Tom Hardy is also my celebrity crush)

Finish the sentence:
I can’t live without my…
C:  ...lazy Sunday mornings, snuggling with my kids in our bed and watching cartoons.

If I had a dollar for every time I...
C:  ...had someone ask me when I will be opening up a store, my 5 year plan would happen much, much sooner.

Can't resist and need to get your hands on your very own mallows? (who can blame you). Head on over and place your order at Marsh&Mallow.  Oh and, be a darling and save me one. ;)

xo, ili

Photography by Confetti And Rose