Interview with Janice Holmes, owner
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: It all started with my love for baseball, my son and a trip to Cooperstown with his team. A close friend and I noticed a very basic s’mores kit in a shop there. I knew that I could make it so much more than just a s’more by melding my love of baking and my love affair with the Rocky Mountains and Colorado. I knew I could transform this idea into a high-quality, handheld, Colorado-themed campfire dessert.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: I know there are some other variations on the idea, but I don’t know of another kit made or marketed locally that contains flavored handmade marshmallows, handpoured and flavored chocolates and graham crackers chosen to complement the mallow/chocolate combination to make a s’mores dessert like red velvet, blueberry cheesecake, tiramisu, black forest cake and more. All of my kits are Colorado-themed and named after some of my favorite places in our state.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: I like creating new flavors and conceptualizing a much-loved dessert into something with a marshmallow, chocolate bar and a graham cracker that can be enjoyed around a campfire or microwaved. I also like being a part of a bride and groom’s big day by providing customized s’mores packages for wedding favors. I have a sign in my kitchen that says “Money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy marshmallows, which are kinda the same thing.” I do enjoy making people happy when they taste my mallows or s’mores and seeing the look on their face when they taste one of my creations for the first time.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: My biggest challenge is finding time to make it all work, from sales to marketing to production and packaging, to a full-time job in another industry. I’m a distance runner, so I spend many running miles trying to mentally sort through it. Another big challenge is finding suppliers who will work with such a small business. I’ve been lucky and met the nicest people through some wonderful coincidences and amazing connections.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: The s’more is historically attributed to the Girl Scouts, and I was proud to be a Girl Scout leader for six years with my daughter’s troop. It was great to be a part of these young ladies’ lives, and I’m lucky that they still keep in touch. I’m also a Colorado history buff, so I work hard to honor our state with flavor names and themes. The label on Massive Mallows is actually Mount Massive, our second highest peak. It’s all about the love of the outdoors!
Profile
Business: So Much ‘Mores Campfire Desserts & Massive Mallows
Address: Littleton
Hours: By email, online and at selected retail partners
Founded: 2012
Contact: smmcampfire desserts@yahoo.com; somuchmorescampfire
Employees: 1
