ORLANDO, Fla. – The Bergquists opened the doors to Emma's Sweets three years ago, but the idea for a mother-daughter venture started years ago. When Lauren was a toddler, Leslie would bring her to her office. And her daughter loved it.
"It just got me thinking that I would love to work with her in a business. To look at something at the end of the day and say, look at what I did," said Leslie.
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Leslie and Lauren are now side-by-side after school and on weekends, perfecting the sweet treats that line their store shelves. Despite the aroma, Lauren is never tempted to sneak a bite.
"No. That's my mom. Mom's the one that eats them when you set them out," Lauren said.
Leslie knew nothing about chocolate or candy making — and learned everything from scratch. As the business grows, Leslie's dream is to hire more employees — like her daughter — eager and willing to learn.
"Part of the mission is to get individuals with disabilities out on the front line, and not just behind the scenes. That would be the frosting on the cake," Leslie explained.
Leslie named her business after her grandmother "Emma" — a woman who loved to cook, and also had a knack for nurturing not only family members — but others in her community.
For more information on Emma's Sweets in Central Florida, visit their website, www.EmmasSweets.com.