Let’s sweeten up your spring with a local maker creating freeze dried versions of everything you love and more—including for your pup! We met Brittany Groshong through a craft market and have been huge fans ever since with her creative take on all things sugar and beyond!

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I was born in Grand Rapids, MN and have moved around quite a bit since. I’ve lived in Fergus Falls, MN, Scottsbluff, NE, Charlotte, NC, Jacksonville, NC, and Las Vegas, NV. I somehow keep finding my way back to Fargo!

I graduated from Fargo South High and then NDSU with a degree in criminal justice. When I lived in North Carolina, I worked at Charlotte Motor Speedway and had the opportunity to work at many different events, including several NASCAR and NHRA races.

I now have an eight-year-old daughter who is actively involved in All-Star Cheerleading and we travel quite a bit with that. She keeps me busy and I really enjoy balancing a small business and mom life!

Describe what type of products you make under Harlow’s Candy Shop?

Harlow’s Candy Shop makes freeze dried candy and fruit. I have all the best sellers including Jolly Ranchers, Skittles, Nerds Gummy Clusters, and Peach Rings and I’ve added unique products to include rim dips, dog food treats, and food toppers. I’m also now expanding to create uniquely flavored fresh squeezed lemonade and fresh fruit refreshers along with chocolate strawberry kabobs and cups. Harlow’s Candy Shop is growing! .

Tell us how you got started with your businesses.

I started my first business when I was 18 and a freshman in college. I wanted a little side job doing something I loved to do, make jewelry. I’ve explored and expanded into different products over the years and have always wanted to create a fun snack. So a few years ago, I saw freeze dried candy on social media and knew I could take that and expand on it.

What are your personal favorite items you’ve created so far?

It’s hard to pick a favorite, but I really love caramel cold brew M&M’s, Fruit Roll Ups nachos, and my new chocolate strawberry cups—including the viral Dubai chocolate cups!

What was one of the most difficult pieces you’ve created?

The most difficult candy I’ve created is the cereal flavored taffy. I mix different cereals such as Cinnamon Toast Crunch with vanilla taffy to end up with Cinnamon Toast Crunch taffy. Getting flavors to mix, heat up, and cool correctly was the biggest challenge.

What is the most popular item you specifically sell?

I’d say my most popular are the Nerdy Puffs (Nerds Gummy Clusters) or my candy mixes.

What is something you’ve enjoyed the most about doing this handcrafted business?

My absolute favorite thing is doing shows. I love meeting people and talking about the freeze drying process, explaining it to anybody who has no idea what it is, and hearing how people love my candy and come back for more!

What is the most challenging thing?

The most challenging thing I’m encountering is staying different and coming up with unique ideas. People love my candy, but are always looking for something new and different and that’s been the most challenging, yet also the most fun. Where does your inspo come for new flavors? I really just start with what my daughter and I love and I expand and experiment from there. I always give a flavor a shot before determining if it’s a good or bad seller—sometimes you never know!

What is something people might find surprising about working with dehydrated products?

Well first, freeze drying is different than dehydrating. Freeze drying removes 100% of moisture in a product, whereas, dehydrating removes up to 70% of the moisture. This process allows food (when packaged correctly) to last up to 25 years. Any freeze dried food must remain sealed or the humidity in the air will start to rehydrate the food.

What is a word that best describes you?

Resilient—I have started over several times through changes in my life, products that didn’t pan out, and just because I wanted to go a different path. I’m determined to never quit on my dreams of becoming a highly successful small business.