Someone possessing a sweet tooth is not unheard of.
But someone possessing a sweet tooth and taking the local food and drink scene by storm at the age of 22 is not common, to say the least.
Kianna McKay, from Inverbervie, recently unveiled her new baking business Shut The Fudge Up to the masses – and in a matter of weeks, it has gone down a hit with locals.
The self-taught baker produces handmade fudge in a variety of flavours at her family home.
Although Kianna continues to work a full-time role, she is relishing selling her fudge to the public.
Hobby turned business
“I’ve always had a major sweet tooth growing up, so anything sweet is a yes from me,” says Kianna.
The entrepreneur started out making fudge for family and friends, as well as herself, which quickly stemmed into trying new flavour combinations – a process that has involved a few trials and errors.
She also found herself looking for opportunities to make it for special occasions.
With Kianna’s flavours proving popular and being urged to sell her fudge, something she once “laughed off”, the baker finally considered making the jump.
“I made fudge pretty frequently and enjoyed it,” she added. “I’ve had lots of people try it over the years and tell me I should sell it.
“I considered it last year after graduating but didn’t have the guts until now to just go for it and make my business degree useful.
“Shut The Fudge Up is very new,” she went on to say. “I only recently launched in the last couple of weeks whilst I eased myself into it.
“I work full-time alongside the business so time management and organisation have been key in juggling them both.”
Biscoff, Jammy Dodger and Oreo
In terms of what customers can get their hands on, there are several different products available.
There are fudge pouches that feature bite-sized pieces of fudge inside – a popular choice for gifts and party bags.
Fudge slices are also available to order (either individually or in boxes), as well as large fudge slabs which are equivalent to six slices of fudge.
Flavours include:
- Biscoff
- Rolo
- Crunchie
- Jammy Dodger
- Caramilk
- Oreo
Kianna is constantly looking to expand her Shut The Fudge Up range and will continue to work on new flavour combinations in the future.
“I’ll definitely be looking at some alcohol flavoured fudge trials soon,” she says.
“I’ve got lots of cool flavour ideas I want to try out and introduce with different product options too, but I’m trying not to have too much at once and ease myself in.”
Prices range from £3 for fudge pouches to the large slabs which cost £17.50.
Power of social media
The baker has found herself being so busy that she has been forced to close orders on a number of occasions.
Kianna said: “I’m finding myself getting busier every week.
“If I have any spares from batches, this is advertised on my social media and usually gets snapped up pretty quick.
“It’s great to not have any wastage – not that there would be any in my house, my mum’s got as big a sweet tooth as me.”
Customers can place orders through the Shut The Fudge Up Facebook and Instagram pages or email shutthefudgeup_@outlook.com.
The business’ fudge can also be snapped up at Kianna’s local beauty salon, KAER Beauty, and Kianna hopes to attend local fayres and food and drink events in the future.
“I genuinely just enjoy making fudge and having other people enjoy it.
“It’s still very early days but I’m happy to be so busy already and I can’t thank those who have ordered and supported me already enough.”
Conversation