By Kathy Brown.
(January 29, 2020) — In 2011, Brad and Bridget Marshall moved to Haddam because they wanted a small town community with a great school district in which to raise their children. After graduating from Fairfield University with a degree in Economics and Marketing, Bridget worked as a Marketing Manager for a consumer products company until she had her first child, and then she became a “stay at home.” Two more children followed.
While staying home, Bridget began making fudge to bring to parties. “People went nuts! So I tried another combo,” Bridget told us. In February 2018, she started the “Oh Fudge and More” business selling handcrafted artisan fudge and chocolate specialties “as something for myself” as a hobby and though “everyone loves my fudge and chocolates,” she didn’t imagine “the growth we would have so quickly.” She started signing up for craft fairs, as well as the Pop-up Holiday Market in 2018. Soon she was booked many weekends at fairs and festivals around the state.
“It’s something I enjoy and people always comment on my creativity,” Bridget said. “I try to think outside the box with a little modern twist on some old favorites. I always use very high quality ingredients which really makes a difference. And I expand my product line based on suggestions that I get from customers.” Right now she has over 15 flavors of fudge, as well as chocolate dipped cookies and pretzels, and toffee, caramel chocolate covered apples, and more. Prices range from $5-20.
While she does not have a brick and mortar shop yet, you can find her products at Fork in the Road (310 Saybrook Road, Higganum). You can also find her online at her website, on Facebook, Etsy, and Instagram. On her website, she has a listing of events such as craft fairs that she will be attending with her delicious array of goodies.
Bridget also does custom orders, which she has a lot of fun making. “I really like the creative aspect of a custom order and creating something perfect for my customers’ needs.” Those custom orders can be chocolate covered cookies decorated like soccer balls for a soccer team, chocolate covered cookies in the shape of a rattle for a baby shower, or employee/corporate gifts, and she can accommodate various budgets. Once, she replicated the image of a medical device on chocolate dipped cookies for a pharmaceutical company.
For various holidays, she has specials – Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, whether it’s a combination or a limited time only flavor of fudge. You can get a box of treats or a whole tray. When perusing her Facebook page, I saw beautiful luscious chocolate covered strawberries, custom chocolates for a baptism or communion, teacher gifts, fudge for St. Patrick’s Day, a bucket of cookies for Mother’s Day, and more! Who knew that chocolate was appropriate for every occasion and no occasion at all!
She has been renting a commercial kitchen, but she’s in the process of building one. “I see my business growing with the completion of my kitchen and my ability to produce more efficiently,” said Bridget. She employs three part time workers now who help with sales, packaging, and her website, which just got a facelift.
She even helps groups do fundraising. “I give 40% of sales back to the organization and partner to build a custom selection of goodies to offer.”
If you’re having a craving after seeing these pictures, order something delicious by emailing Bridget at ohfudgeandmore@yahoo.com.
Little did she know that her fudge and other products would be such a hit. “My hope is that our products help customers pause and enjoy small moments in our increasingly busy lives.”
Photos courtesy of Oh Fudge and More!
