Our makers never fail to motivate us, encourage our creativity, and fill us with inspiration. So, when a new design enters our assortment, we’re always excited to learn more about the people behind the product.
What gets an artist going and keeps them creating is certainly worth sharing, and every great connection starts with a simple introduction. Meet Kimberly Hadlock, maker of the Coffee Lover and Edible Flower Lollipop Sets.
When did you know you wanted to be an artist?
I always kind of have been. When I was little I would design jewelry on rubber bands, going around door to door. I studied music from an early age along with dance. Later came photography. I have always had something going that requires design & creativity.
What was the most exciting thing about becoming a professional artist?
Seeing my ideas reach thousands of people. Having a simple idea of a flavor profile enter my mind, calibrating till I think I have it just right. Then releasing it to the world. Knowing that my hard work is paying off and people are enjoying what I do.
What does your typical day in the kitchen look like?
Up at 6am and packing up the car with my supplies for the day. Heading off to whatever share kitchen I am using for that day. I work solid for 5-6 hours making orders, then play with flavors for about 30 min. Package everything up and head back to my office where I will set and design custom labels for our wedding / corporate orders for 3-4 hours. The last 6 hours I will either tweet the website, or photography. Head off to bed then in 6 hours do it all over again.
Is there a trinket, talisman, or other inspirational object you keep near? If so, what is it and what does it mean to you?
Huh. Never really thought about it. Does coffee count? It can be inspirational and keeps me going.
Imagine you just showed your work to a kindergartner for the first time. What do you think they would say?
give me give me give me
What quote or mantra keeps you motivated?
Wisdom begins in wonder – Socrates : If you had said to me 5 years ago that I would be making lollipops for a living I would have laughed. One Christmas holiday I wondered how to make lollipops for a Christmas gift. I played around a bit to figure some things out. My friends loved them, suggested I start a shop. I have never looked back.
What are your most essential tools?
My mind. All the recipes are up there. I have never written any of them down.
4 Comments
I bought your edible flower lollipops and did not realize there is an expiration date. I want to use these as stocking stuffers at Christmas. Which surpasses your 6-week timeframe. Can they be frozen to keep longer?
Hi Gail,
We’re glad that you think these lollipops will make great Christmas gifts! We reached out to the maker to get more information on how to best preserve them, and she doesn’t recommend putting them in the freezer. (Freezing them might make them crack.) Instead, place them in a plastic bag (a sealed freezer bag is best) and store them away from light, wind, and moisture in a cool, dry place. The lollipops will last for up to 8 weeks if stored this way.
Best,
Cassie
Hi there! Are the coffee lover lollipop set vegan by chance?
Hi Caitlin! Thanks for your question. At UncommonGoods, we don’t sell any items that involve harm to animals in any way. No leather, nothing tested on animals, and all the food we sell is 100% vegetarian.