Story Behind The Store: Kimberly’s Kitchen – Family Inspired Food
My name is Kimberly Mulia and I own Kimberly’s Kitchen and this is my Storenvy story.
I grew up with parents that love to cook and eat. We shopped at markets and went fishing. I watched Julia Child with my Mom. And my Dad, he was the candy-maker. I have memories of him disappearing into the kitchen, only to arrive an hour later with fudge or caramel corn or peanut brittle. My Dad loved peanut brittle and this was perhaps his favorite treat.
Years later when friends and family were encouraging me to start a food business, I searched for what would be the thing that would resonate with me. What could I love making over and over again? It was simple. Candy. With so many possibilities and seasonal variations, I knew that I would never bore of a candy company. Kimberley’s Kitchen sold it’s first marshmallow in October 2010, only months after the birth of my second daughter.
My Dad was skeptical of making money from gourmet marshmallows. Always the conservative business-man, my Dad said “don’t quit your day job.” I didn’t. But I kept working away at my little candy company because I was on to something. And Kimberley’s Kitchen quickly grew beyond my expectations.
When my Dad tried my version of his peanut brittle, he said it was the best he’d ever had. I don’t know if this is really true, or if he was just giving me his version of approval, but I still remember that moment. He soon developed a love for his favorite marshmallow too- Rocky Road. I had developed the flavor in honor of him and his favorite flavor of ice cream. It was an instant hit and is still one of my best sellers.
My Dad phoned me one afternoon when he read an article about me in a national magazine. He sounded very proud. I don’t think he had ever imagined reading about me in national press (and quite frankly, neither did I) but he was very pleased. He still didn’t want me to quit my day job though.
Now, Dad’s Peanut Brittle is a year-round offering on my menu and a constant reminder of that small seed of inspiration years ago. It also serves as a tribute to my Dad, who passed away in 2012. He taught me everything I know about business and I feel very lucky to have lived and learned with him.
https://kimberleyskitchen.storenvy.com/
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