Meet Kim Schwenzfeger | Confectioner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kim Schwenzfeger and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kim, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I spent a lot of time bouncing from one thing to the other–trying to figure out what I was good at, what I really enjoyed. Even in high school so many people around me had a direction for their life, while I was still bouncing around between a multitude of different things. When I graduated from high school I was dead set on being a stunt driver and still fumbled through collage classes with no real clue what I was doing. When I decided one day to try making confections, it just clicked. It was then that I had that light bulb turn on and I realized what I needed to do with my life–not just want, need. I enjoyed it more than anything else I had ever tried my hand at and part of that was just the fact that I created something that made other people happy. I would also say that what has kept me so dedicated to it is the fact that no matter how tired I am, or how much there is to do I never want to give up on it. I never feel like quitting. That’s what you know you’re on the right path.

Please tell us more about your business. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today business-wise. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I’m proud of the fact that I have done confections my own way. I know what seems to be the norm for chocolates and things like that right now, but I guess the fact that I have never been one to follow trends remains to this day. I know that being different can be a challenge sometimes, but I haven’t strayed from my brand. Getting to where I am now wasn’t easy–at all–and it’s still hard work every single day. Building your own business isn’t for the faint of heart. Everything that has stood in my way has just fueled my fire. After a divorce and being a single mom there was plenty that could have pushed me to just give up and be done with trying to build my own business, but it never crossed my mind. One thing that sticks in my mind is something a friend told me a little while back. It’s not that if you do what you love you wont work a day in your life. Building a business is so much work and there are days that you feel overwhelmed and wonder how you’re going to get everything done. But doing what you love means that even when you’re exhausted and overwhelmed, you still get up and take on those challenges. You never let them stop you.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh goodness… Between my daughter, my family, and my business I would have to say that I don’t get out very much. With COVID as well it’s hard to say. Best thing that I have been doing though is getting out and enjoying the beautiful mountains and things like that. Went to Lake Granby not that long ago–great for kayaking–and the hiking around there is incredible! Also liked taking my daughter to the Lair O’ the Bear in Morrison, she’s still not great with hiking, but she got to play around in the water there and had a blast. Otherwise, thinking back on some places I was able to enjoy before all of this–Uncorked Kitchen is a great place to get a glass of wine and enjoy the view, or sign up for some fun cooking classes. Blue Island Oyster Bar is one of my all time favorites for some oyster happy hour. Beyond that, my selections may be a bit out dated.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My biggest support has always been my family. My parents bought me my first bulk order of the boxes I needed to start shipping out orders and didn’t tell me I was insane for wanting to do what I do. My daughter, for helping me continue to push forward and making me strive to be the best role model I can be.

Website: https://www.toutedouceurcandy.com/
Instagram: @toute.douceur.candy
Twitter: @Toute_Douceur
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TouteDouceurCandy/