Melissa Stewart learns valuable business lesson: ‘In retail, nothing is consistent’

By Claudia Estrada

MILFORD – Since opening its doors in 2023, Stewart’s Freeze Dried Goodies has been presenting customers with a unique twist on sweet treats ranging from freeze-dried candies to more than 30 flavors of snow cones.

But like any new business owner, Melissa Stewart has faced challenges such as inconsistent customer traffic, encouraging customers to leave reviews, and managing overhead.

“Business has slowed down quite a bit since September,” she said. “I think the weather has definitely played a big role in this.”

Melissa Stewart’s Lesson Learned

Since opening, Steward has learned, “In retail, nothing is consistent. You have busy days and then days where you might have no business at all. It takes a lot of advertising and promoting on social media to get a new business out there and keep customers updated and coming back.”

Melissa Stewart, in her Milford store well before opening day

Stewart has also worked hard to get customers to leave reviews. 

“This helps a small or new business tremendously,” she explained, noting that positive feedback and testimonials can help boost a brand’s reputation and attract new customers and will help drive her future success.

On top of that, overhead costs can be challenging to manage, especially during slower months. Stewart acknowledges that it’s been a challenge sometimes, but she remains committed to keeping the business running smoothly even when sales slow.

“I do welcome online orders and shipping and advertise the same often,” she said. 

Stewart’s Freeze Dried Goodies might be new to the neighborhood, but making Milford her home base was easy. 

“I live close by and wanted to offer the community something new and unique,” Stewart said. “The Milford community plans several events throughout the year that draw business to the downtown locations.” 

Avoiding a trip to the dentist

At its core, Stewart’s Freeze Dried Goodies offers something you won’t find just anywhere: freeze-dried candy. The freeze-drying process removes moisture from the product, causing it to become larger, crunchy, and more flavorful. 

“Candy this way is also safe for dental work, including braces,” Stewart pointed out, making it a treat that appeals to a variety of customers.

Beyond the freeze-dried candy, Stewart makes her snow cone flavors onsite.

Looking ahead to 2025, Stewart is eager to continue expanding the business with new products. “We will continue to bring in new novelty candies, bulk candies, chocolates, and more snow cone flavors.“ 

Success, she says, depends on staying on top of trends and offering customers even more options to satisfy their sweet tooth.

Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Milford Jo Schmeiser has purchased freeze-dried treats since their opening. Stewart joined the chamber when she opened. 

“I personally had never seen or heard of freeze-dried candy before going to Stewart’s, and I must say I was pleasantly surprised by how good they were,” Schmeiser said.