Sweet taste of success for Amy after launching a new business
A mum is helping lift spirits during the lockdown by creating a sweet feast for her customers.
AmySpeckman,fromMurton, has set up Sweetie Treats to offer services to make weddings, birthday party or christening extra special.
As the business launched, and the pandemic put a stop to gatherings, the 28-year-old has focused on sweetie boxes, which come in three sizes and are proving popular as gifts.
Amy, who is married to Sean and is mum to Amelia, six, and Marnie, three, said: “Obviously because of the circumstances,peoplecan’thave proper parties, so the sweetie boxes are a nice little touch to makebirthdays,anniversaries and other celebratory events special.
"They are fun and who doesn’tloveaboxofsweetsand chocolates?”
Her business also offers chair covers and sashes, post boxhire,balloons,buffets,and other touches, with her venture launched with the help of East Durham Business Service (EDBS).
Amy said: “I was out of workafterhavingmyyoungest daughter and began thinking about starting my own business.
“I came in to see Hina Joshi who worked with me to write a business plan. She was great and made me believe that I could make my ideas work, despite being in a national
Amy Speckman, of Sweetie Treats, with Hina Joshi from EDBS.
lockdown. Party planning was something I really enjoyed and knewtherewerethingsIcould
dothathelpedbringthoseparty elements to special occasions, even if parties weren’t possible because of the coronavirus restrictions.
"My husband is helping me spread the word and is also going to be taking some photography for me, and Hina also continues to support me as I work towards establishing the business.
"I turned unemployment into an opportunity and wouldn’t change a thing.”
Hinaadded:“It’sfantasticto see people like Amy coming to us with an idea, and with our help turning that idea into a viable business opportunity.
"She’s managed to launch her business, Sweetie Treats, in the toughest economic conditions we’ve ever faced so fair play to her, she’s doing really well and I will continue to help her however I can.”
The support offered by EDBSisthroughtheEnterprise Support in the North East programmethroughtheEuropean Regional Development Fund.