I recently did some new photo work with Molly of Lady Krispie to highlight her new desserts and packaging. I had a blast styling and photographing (and sampling!) her new treats. She recently moved to Maine, so I thought I’d include a little Q&A with her about her business and the big move. Hope you enjoy!
You can find Lady Krispie at www.ladykrispie.com and on instagram @ladykrispie.
Becca Grady: Can you tell me a bit about the inspiration for starting Lady Krispie?
Lady Krispie: I grew up eating all the sugary cereals after school at friends’ houses and snacking on Rice Krispie treats out of the vending machines at school. As I got older, the same cravings were still there, but my palette had matured and it needed something a little more. I started making treats using cereals and candy toppings that my older self could enjoy. Using crunchy corn flakes, melted rich dark chocolate, smooth peanut butter and salted pretzels. I tested different combinations and every time I did, I brought them along to birthday celebrations, dinner parties, friends’ gatherings, book clubs, brunches, work meetings. I started taking requests from friends, asking “what is your favorite cereal and what is your favorite candy?” I dreamed of opening a cereal treat bar where you could walk in and build your own cereal treat starting with a cereal base, unlimited candy toppings, a drizzle of melted chocolate and sprinkles on top. However, I wasn’t quite there yet because it was just a side passion of mine, so I did the next best thing. I started a word of mouth and eventually online shop where you can make your own custom cereal treat, cereal layer cake and cereal pie. This led to more custom treats like party and snack mixes, chocolate bark and cereal sandwiches. So… while I really started making Lady Krispie treats to fulfill my early twenty something sweet tooth, my inspiration to start Lady Krispie as a side business came from every friend, family member, co-worker who said to me “Oh my gosh this is so good, have you tried making one with this cereal or that topping” or “Grady, this is insanely good!” I really took every comment as my motivation to try more and more and ultimately my reward has been in connecting with people over a shared love of sweets.
BG: What is your favorite LK combination? And your most popular?
LK: My favorite Lady Krispie combination is the BFF Lady Krispie treat because it combines the ultimate best friend combo of peanut butter and chocolate! One of the most popular is the Birthday Party which is corn puff cereal dipped in melted white chocolate with rainbow sprinkles. It’s great for any celebratory gathering!
BG: I am obsessed with your new party mix. Can you talk about all the new additions, the mixes and barks etc.? Any plans for party mixes in different flavors or will you just have one kind?
LK: The party mixes start with the same base of Chex cereal, pretzels, popcorn, mini marshmallows, melted white chocolate and sprinkles. The best part is that you choose your add in of one cereal and one candy. My favorite add ins are cinnamon toast crunch cereal and chocolate covered pretzel. They are offered in large party mix sizes and small snack size pouches to easily ship or take your snacks on the road!
I also just introduced chocolate bark over the 2020 holiday season. I love the combination because it is a crunchy crispy chocolatey sweet snack. I will be introducing more to the shop soon.
BG: Anything new in the works for LK?
LK: Yes, always. I am creating new flavors for upcoming seasons and holidays. I am working on new product, packaging and expanding the business in Maine and in New York.
BG: You recently moved to Portland. What's it like being back in Maine? What are your favorite things to do in Portland?
LK: Portland is amazing. I have enjoyed checking out local businesses here and looking forward to exploring more once businesses fully reopen. The access to the outdoors is a huge draw to Maine. I love running along the water in Portland most mornings and in warmer weather I do beach visits, hikes and camping.
BG: You brought the business along with you. How was it moving the biz as well? Are you doing anything differently in Maine?
LK: The move to Maine is great. Having the luxury of space and easy transportation makes the Lady Krispie production and delivery process so much more efficient. It is so exciting to be discovering a new market here in Portland and Maine. The best part of bringing Lady Krispie to Maine is that I can now pack treats along for every beach trip, hiking trip or road trip!
All photos by me, Becca Grady