Sam is the latest in her family to turn to the confectionary business, with KPS Sweets. Photo: Samantha Walsh.
A family business in more ways than one has arrived in Bungendore after starting on the NSW Far South Coast.
Samantha ‘Sam’ Walsh is the owner of KPS Sweets, a business that freeze-dries a range of lollies, such as Skittles, chewy toffee and Zappos, as well as pineapple lumps.
“Freeze-drying has a process of sublimation, where it removes all the moisture content of a product,” she says.
“The process of it is very interesting – something with a short shelf life can be extended to be put into a backpack while you go hiking.”
The business recently launched, with stock being sold at the Bungendore Lolly Shop as of March.
For Ms Walsh, the decision to open a small business was an easy one.
“I had been working a full-time job for the last few years in Moruya, and I thought it might be an exciting opportunity to open our own business and work for myself,” she said.
“I thought, I was in my 30s now, and I’ve never worked for myself before.”
Since the launch in Bungendore, many have come through the store for their freeze-dried sweet fix.
“It was very nerve-wracking in the beginning,” Ms Walsh said.
“We discussed it as a family unit – if we wanted to take this ride together and see where it takes us – but with the response after the launch I’m feeling very excited about the future.”
Her husband gives a helping hand packing orders and her nine-year-old daughter has one of the most important jobs – that of chief taste tester.
“She’s been very excited about the process and really helpful,” Ms Walsh said.
“It has been really special – she was really helpful in designing our logo and wants to jump on my laptop and help me with my work.”
Ms Walsh lives with her family in Tuross Head on the NSW South Coast and confectionary has long been the family business.
“My mum was the owner of the Mogo lolly shop and the owner of the Bungendore Lolly Shop is actually my little sister,” Ms Walsh said.
“We’re keeping confectionary in the family.”
Watching her mother and sister gave her an insight into how it feels to satisfy someone’s sweet tooth.
“We all enjoy this business because of the customer response and the interaction that you get with the customers,” Ms Walsh said.
“It would be a dream to have something bright and vibrant, where we get to see people’s smiling faces would be amazing.”
The plan is to expand by having KPS Sweets sold at other stores in southeast NSW, with the possibility of Ms Walsh opening her own store in the future.
“Growing in the local area would be amazing,” she said.
“I’m looking at doing local markets to get knowledge of my products out there – I’m excited to share this with everybody in the area.”
As Easter approaches, Ms Walsh said the plan was to expand their range from the handful of treats they currently stock.
“As we’re going along, we’re experimenting with different things and seeing if we can put them into the product line,” she said.
“We’re about to start doing some ice cream, which takes about 24 hours and it becomes crumbly and light without hurting your teeth.”
Follow KPS Sweets on Facebook, or visit Bungendore Lolly Shop at 23 Malbon Street in Bungendore.
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