Jessica Schwartz launched Sweet Sushi six years ago after her friends encouraged her to create a business from the twist she put on sushi using crispy rice, marshmallows, fruit leather, fine Belgian chocolate and vanilla fondant. Find out everything behind the 27-year-old’s low-fat dessert business in today’s YEDaily…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your business in a nutshell.
Sweet Sushi is a fast-growing startup company out of Toronto, Ontario, specializing in unique dessert options. Our signature product, Sweet Sushi, is a sweet twist on sushi using crispy rice, marshmallows, fruit leather, fine Belgian chocolate and vanilla fondant to make a delicious low-fat dessert that looks like and tastes like candy!
Why did you start your business, what was the inspiration?
Sweet Sushi started 7 years before it became a business. I would bring it to friends’ parties, and they encouraged me to make it into a business. So I started a Facebook group called Sweet Sushi by Jessica, invited all of my friends to join and it became a business. My inspiration came from my love of baking and my childhood memories of my mom and I baking together.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part of what I do is that I get to be creative with my product and am doing something that I love. The most challenging part of what I do is that I am a perfectionist and I oversee that every piece is held up to the highest standard.
Where do you see your business going in 5 years?
I would like to see Sweet Sushi on all major supermarket shelves and specialty stores around North America. I dream big.
What does success look like to you?
Success to me is when customers call or email me after an event and tell me what a hit the Sweet Sushi was and how everyone loved it.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
My most memorable milestone so far has been shipping Sweet Sushi to Europe for Britney Spears’ tour, and doing events for Pepsico and LG Electronics. Another memorable milestone is one that happened just recently when a customer called me because she was referred to my company by her friend who tried my Sweet Sushi in London, England.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Follow your heart; if you have a great idea go for it because possibilities are endless.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I support various North American charities, such as Cook for the Cure, Yogathon, Hope in the City, Leukemia, JDRF and many more. I rarely refuse a charity because I believe in giving back and helping the community.
What is Notable to you?
To be notable is to dream big and do what you love.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone.
How do you keep active, energetic, and vibrant?
I keep active by working out every day. It keeps me energized and focused. I eat healthy and stay positive.