A brother-sister act
Jane and William Mccurdy are a young and creative duo
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When it comes to making things that are fun for kids, who would know better than kids themselves? Sister and brother team Jane and William Mccurdy, who live near Truro, N.S., have combined their skills to create their own business, Unique Treats and Things. They recently added the word “things” in the business name as they never know what they will make or think of as the next product.
Through the business, Jane and William focus on making products that are fun for kids of all ages. They make products that people would like to give as a small gift for different holidays and also to give as loot bags at birthday parties. For example, one of the more unique things they make is an edible pinata. The edible shell is filled with chocolate and candy. You smash it open with the hammer that is included with the purchase.
Jane, who is 13 and in Grade 8, and Williams, who is 11 and in Grade 6, first started their business two years ago on Valentine’s Day, when they sold their first items.
“Whatever the customer asks for, we try and make it.” William and
Jane Mccurdy Brother-sister creators behind Unique Treats and Things
WANTED TO WORK
The idea to put together a business was a no-brainer. They have both always wanted to work. According to their mother, Nikki, whenever they would see a sign that a business was hiring, they couldn’t understand why they were not allowed to apply.
So, the family searched for something that they could create and sell at markets, craft fairs and market as loot bags.
Jane and William have always enjoyed being creative like doing crafts and baking, so it was easier putting together business ideas.
At first, their mom bought them some moulds to try out. They couldn’t figure it out or get it so the chocolate wouldn’t crack, but they kept trying and got it to work.
From there, they get their ideas from searching the internet, but the best ones come from customers asking if the duo can do a certain theme.
When they first started, they had just one cupcake mould and that was their first seller. Now, they get inspiration from those that reach out to place an order. They can make grad hats, Pokemon balls, unicorns, cakes with names on them, Easter bunnies, Christmas ornaments, Nhl-themed cakes and more.
“Whatever the customer asks for, we try and make it. Most times we can do it, if they ask us early enough,” they said.
In the beginning, to learn the art, they explained that their mom would show them how to do or make something. Now, after two years in business, they divvy up the work. When they have a big order, one person will make the edible shell and one person will divide up the candy and place it into the shell.
Once they secure the item to the cake board, they then give it time to set. Then everyone plays a hand in decorating the edible piñata to look like the intended character or item.
“Our mom helps us a lot and gets the process started,” they said.
Their items are mainly used to surprise someone as a gift. People ask them to put money, event gift cards, jewelry, socks or drinks in them. If it can fit, they can put it in there.
MOST POPULAR ITEMS
Christmas and Easter-themed items are the most popular creations they make as they are the busiest holidays. They have, however, also made many hockey pucks for hockey teams, individualized with their jersey number. They also get birthday requests, so using their items as loot bags is very popular.
This way, parents don’t have to find stuff to fill a bag.
“Many customers have said this ends up being cheaper than the traditional loot bags,” they said.
The business has already proven successful.
“Right now, we are using a bit of the money as spending money and purchasing sports gear, like hockey sticks, that we really want,” said Jane and William.
Otherwise, they say they are saving the funds raised for the future. Some will go towards saving for university and some will be used for Jane to go on her Grade 8 class trip to the Canadian Rockies in June. William used some of the funds raised to help fund his hockey trip to New Hampshire this past summer.
“I guess we are saving for travel and for school in the future,” they said.
MOSTLY AT SCHOOL
And speaking of school, this is where Jane and William spend most of their time. Making and creating is something they do when holidays or special occasions are coming up. They fit creating in around their sports schedules, noting that sometimes it gets really busy when there is a holiday and they have tournaments close to the same time. They are involved in many sports and obviously go to school, too. It can get busy, but they say they like doing it.
To find out more about Unique Treats and Things by Jane and William, they can be found on Facebook under the same name. There, they update the page with pictures of what they have created.