Pittsburgh Business Spotlight: My Favorite Sweet Shoppe

Two words: Mountain Bark. 

If you’ve never had it before it’s like fluffy, marshmallow-y pillows of crunchy, peanut buttery sweetness. 

That description doesn’t even begin to cover how delicious they are but, I digress. 

Mountain Bark is just one of the many delicious offerings Nina Midgley and her team are creating at My Favorite Sweet Shoppe in Bridgeville, PA.

Nina, along with her parents Terri and Ed Midgley, took over My Favorite Sweet Shoppe in 2014 and since then, they’ve been creating hand-dipped chocolates, gourmet caramel apples, fresh fudge, custom-designed treats, and much more. 

As someone who fights her sweet tooth on a daily basis, I was put to the test when I recently visited Nina at her candy store.

As soon as I walked through the doors, it felt like I stepped into the 2020 version of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. 

But, beyond the store full of goodies, I wanted to get to know the woman behind the candy store and Nina was kind enough to carve time out of her busy schedule for a quick Q&A. 

Enjoy!

Brick Media Q&A with Nina Midgley, Owner, My Favorite Sweet Shoppe

Q. When did you become the owner of My Favorite Sweet Shoppe and how did the opportunity come to be?

I bought the Shoppe in October 2014. I was the Marketing and Sales Manager under the previous owners and when they decided to sell, they came to me with the opportunity. I just couldn’t pass it up!

Q. How would you describe My Favorite Sweet Shoppe to someone who has never been there before?

We’re your local candy shoppe featuring gourmet caramel apples, homemade fudge, hand-dipped chocolates, specialty chocolates, Mercurio’s Gelato, candy, and gifts!

We are the place to come visit when you need a smile…or sugar rush!

Q. What’s your favorite part of being a business owner? What’s your least favorite part?

My favorite part of being a business owner is definitely the satisfaction that comes after completing a new project, client order, or especially the crazy holidays!

Being able to look at the work completed and knowing that it’s building my future is incredible.

My least favorite? The office work! No one likes to do the bills, or insurance paperwork, or all the background stuff!

Q. What has being a business owner during the COVID-19 pandemic taught you about business and yourself?

You see, COVID-19 is kind of what it’s like being a business owner all the time…You never know what tomorrow will bring, but you have to do your best to try and be prepared for it…whatever IT is…but obviously COVID is an added layer to that everyday stress level of the unknown. 

You gotta roll with the punches and at this time, it seems like there are more punches than normal. The pandemic has taught me that I’m stronger and weaker in some aspects than I thought. 

There are some days it’s hard to get and stay motivated because there isn’t the usual busy-ness, but keep pushing to make this business see another day.

Q. If you could give an aspiring entrepreneur any piece of advice, what would it be?

Don’t compare yourself to other businesses. No one knows your business as you do. Everything is smoke and mirrors when it comes to success and it means something different to each entrepreneur.

Q. When you’re not at work, what are you usually doing?

I LOVE DIY-ing – furniture specifically. My fiance and I are pretty laid back (especially since my work life can be so hectic), so staying home and cooking.

Q. What’s your favorite social media channel to use? 

Hmmm…I use Facebook the most, but Pinterest is probably my favorite (the whole DIY thing :))

Q. If you could only choose one item off your menu to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?

EASY – Mountain Bark. It’s probably the reason I agreed to buy the Shoppe.

Q. What was the happiest moment of your life so far?

My engagement. The incredibly fulfilling feeling that the person you love chose you for LIFE (that’s a long freaking time! lol) is unreal.

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Whether you need a gift for a client or your employees or a treat to satiate your sweet tooth, I highly suggest visiting My Favorite Sweet Shoppe. You won’t be disappointed. 

But, until then, you can follow My Favorite Sweet Shoppe on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn or visit their website for more information!

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Is there a Pittsburgh company you’d like to see featured on the Brick Media blog? If so, feel free to email Maria Marchewka with your suggestions.