Kokova Magazine

The Speciality and Fine Food Show always uncovers a new brand or product that we just can't walk by. So when we were introduced to Harley Sweet by The Fine Confectionery Co. we got in touch with owner Madeleine Harley to find out why she was making such amazing marshmallow.

Madeleine managed to sum up her story in such a plain-speaking way that we wanted to share her story in her words. We hope it inspires you to make positive changes in your life, even when it seems that life has dealt you a harder hand to play.

"I graduated from University moved home to Mum and Dad and began fervently job searching. However ongoing health issues began getting worse which soon meant the job search had to go on hold. This was a very frustrating time, as a new graduate I was just expecting my life to get going but instead everything stopped while I had endless tests and doctors appointments.

As things improved slightly with my health I began looking for jobs again. But when an interviewer asks what you've been doing since you graduated and the only answer you can give is that you've been ill things tend not to progress far past that point.

I was always a keen creative baker and one day wondered why marshmallows only came in pink or white. I looked up a recipe for marshmallow, made some, divided the mix into many separate bowls and added a different flavouring to each. They tasted great and they were so much fun that I thought "I'll make these and sell them on my local Saturday market". I thought it would be a small thing that would provide a little cash, and not be too taxing.

I'd found out I was a coeliac (so was no longer baking), additionally a tentative diagnosis of some sort of connective tissue disorder was made and the appropriate medication meant I was finally able to be active and get to work.

I started selling my handmade marshmallows in a range of flavours on the Lymington market in April last year, since then the business has grown gradually. I am now selling on-line via my own website as well as NotOnTheHighStreet, I sell at markets and events, I supply my marshmallows as wedding favours, and I am taking on more retail stockists in anticipation of a very busy Christmas.

The business is still run from a home kitchen, I am a one person business (though my Mum does help whenever she can). I currently working 7 days a week to churn out the best marshmallows available, and to get them out there for people to try. That's the thing with this product, people have to try it to realised how different it is to standard marshmallows, and how delicious it is!

I have a commitment to using the best quality ingredients that is absolute. I don't use artificial colourings, or flavourings. I also don't use extracts or essences as these primarily comprised of alcohol, I use pure, real ingredients.

That means pure vanilla bean, or a pure Hampshire grown peppermint oil, or real fruit. I also use local fruit wherever possible, so have a range of flavours made with New Forest grown fruit, the marshmallows for each of these flavours comprises a minimum of 25% fruit, so they are packed with flavour!

For more information visit https://harleysweet.co.uk