From Mohawk College student to the proud owner of Jessica’s Sweets, this passionate alumna turned her love for food into a tasty, sweet venture. The road to success wasn’t always on the straight and narrow, she overcame self-doubt and obstacles before diving headfirst into the world of chocolatey-dipped delights. In 2021, Jessica was looking for a unique anniversary treat for her husband and stumbled upon the art of crafting fancy, chocolate-covered strawberries. 

“I had no idea you could craft so many different things with moulds and chocolate,” Jessica said.

The idea sparked something in her that she couldn’t ignore and she ran with it. She bought the moulds, the chocolates and the strawberries and started dipping until her sweetheart was content. 

Jessica asked her co-workers if they would purchase treats if she started making them. The dipped strawberries were a hit with her family, but it was outsider reassurance that she was after.

“My husband is Italian, I decided to start dipping the traditional amaretti and pizzelle cookies too, and my clients loved them. The cookie trays are now one of my most purchased items.” 

Despite her initial success, Jessica’s business came to a standstill in January of 2023. She felt like she wasn't going anywhere, but quitting just wasn’t on her agenda. She knew she had the means to succeed and decided she needed to go all in to get the sweets business where she wanted it to be. 

“Owning a business can sometimes be lonely. It isn’t always easy, and it comes with many mixed emotions,” she said. “It’s rewarding but can be overwhelming and it’s very easy to get discouraged, but as long as you have a vision and support, you’ll get there.”

Jessica was able to find the support and encouragement she was looking for within the local small business community. She was able to connect with similar entrepreneurial-minded people who understood the challenges of building something from the ground up. Finding comfort in their stories, Jessica knew she was on the right track and had no plans of slowing down.  

“This is what I’m meant to do,” she said with a smile. “Having a European background, food is the way to the heart, and I’m so happy this business allows me to be a part of someone's special day, whatever the event may be, that is why I love to do this.” 

Jessica graduated from the office administration executive program at Mohawk College in 2020 and she said the program helped her immensely with organizing her finances and knowing where to start with admin work. 

Her time at Mohawk fueled her passions and jump-started her career.

“I took the fast-track program, and absolutely loved my time at Mohawk. Everyone was so helpful and went out of their way to ensure I was in the right place at the right time.” 

In the next five years, she plans to make a purchase that will expand her business reach and allow her to work on a scale beyond the GTHA.

“I can’t say much without giving it away, but I’m working on something that has never been done within the area,” she said with excitement.

When Jessica is ready to share the news, we’ll be here to tell you all about it.