In the small town of Mullica Hill, New Jersey one woman’s long time goal of a marshmallow dessert shop was nervous for her career and future as she faced the COVID crisis. Luckily, her award-winning recipe and long time fans have kept her shop successful despite the unprecedented times. Her local community’s support is heartwarming and as sweet and gooey as her marshmallow treats.
Cheyanne Forgatch’s plans began way back in 2006 when she found a recipe for gourmet marshmallows. She took this recipe on the road to craft show and vendor events, selling her delicacies from a tent all around New Jersey.
Quickly her idea took off and gave birth to what is now Artesian Marshmallow treat shop in 2018. Since opening Cheyanne’s shop has been a treasured treat in Mullica Hill and long-time favorite for the locals.
Like many small operation owners, Forgatch’s fate was uneasy with the rise of COVID and the economic and safety concerns accompanied by rising rates, lockdowns and decreasing tourism.
U.S. Census Bureau released information stating that most small businesses will require 6 months of “back to normal” operations in order to restore to their pre-COVID health. Thousands of businesses have bankrupted or closed shop to prevent doing so since the first COVID wave hit U.S soil.
Many businesses have sold out brick and mortar stores for online and mail-delivery options, which is exactly what Artesian Marshmallows feared would be her undoing facing the crisis.
The grim truth that women like Cheyanne are facing is that boutique, foot traffic style shops are where we see more women business-owners and higher percentages of female staff than other industries, making the COVID pandemic particularly troubling for working women. With childcare struggles, low foot traffic, low tourism and less lucrative economies women owned businesses are facing substantially higher rates of bankruptcy in 2020.
It is more important than ever to support local, small businesses that give life to small towns like Mullica Hall and women like Cheyanne. By making phone orders and curbside pick-up or utilizing local delivery options you can make a difference to keep someone’s shop in business and keep their staff in a job. Treats and treasures like Artesian Marshmallow are counting on you, their community.
Coming from family of bakers, Forgatch was certainly not expecting a world where bakeries and treat shops struggle. She says her flavors and specials are all hand crafted by customers comments and suggestions and she is so thankful for the support of her business and in turn, her ability to support local suppliers and her small town economy.