The Sweet Story
The idea for Sweet Tooth Memories was initially created for the purpose of providing funds for our kids, Ryder and Ella, to attend a Christian school. We needed help paying tuition. Ryder is disabled with an autism diagnosis and was having a hard time once he entered junior high in the public school system. Through various vendor events, we quickly discovered that the baked goods market is/was overly saturated and hard to compete in. However, the demand for homemade hardtack/glass/rock candy is very high, especially in Western PA where the candy is a family tradition that has faded away with each passing generation. Thus, Sweet Tooth Memories, LLC was born.
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In August 2021, Jonathan (JP) Blakely decided to risk the meager savings he had and legalized the business with the help of Start-Up Allegheny mentor Matt Reckner, St. Francis Business University, and Penn State Law legal aid department. Currently, we attend vendor shows all over PA, WV, OH, MD, and VA but are looking to expand all over the United States. We have shipped to 16 states to date and continue documenting how far we can reach.
Our goal is to grow enough that we can offer scholarships to other Christian families trying to send their kids to a private educational facility, as well as support local organizations with fees, dues, equipment, and other props needed to ethically nurture generations to come. Some organizations we have already assisted include Relay for Life, FayWest Wolverines traveling baseball league, Turkeyfoot Cheerleading, Laurel Arts Dance, numerous community/personal fundraisers for citizens in need, and volunteer fire departments.
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We recently experimented, created, and launched an adult line that is created with the use of alcohol. The alcohol gives the candy an enhanced flavor like the very popular Mallo Cup, which uses chocolate liquor. This line of candy has become very popular very quickly. Although the alcohol content is minimal, the flavor difference is noticeable, favored, and strongly preferred compared to our regular line of hardtack. We aim to please our customers and are humbled by the quick success we have had. Our favorite part of this whole adventure is seeing the surprise and satisfaction on our customers' faces as soon as the candy touches their tongues and taste buds.
We cannot wait to give back to our community and families in need through various fundraisers, sponsorships, scholarships, and donations. We firmly believe in Luke 6:38, which says, "Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you."
Our Mission
Our mission is to sufficiently provide families of all sizes and incomes with financial aid for their children to afford a quality Christian education at an accredited facility. Our unique fundraising program also allows schools, organizations, and various community groups to raise funds for their specific goals and purposes, like new uniforms, equipment, and various trips.
A portion of all sales is collectively placed to create scholarships. Scholarships will be provided to families and organizations while simultaneously providing consumers with homemade hard tack candy to reminisce and enjoy.
Address
Rockwood, PA 15557
Phone
(814) 808-5599