Sweet solution in a box for tough times

FORGET flowers. Dessert boxes are the new “it thing” and “everyone is going nuts over them”.

At least, that’s what the owners of a Mildura dessert box company have found since launching in August.

Co-owner of Eyecandy Dessert Boxes Leteesha McSwain said the sweet treats had become very popular in the past four months and with the lead up to Christmas.

“I think it’s just the new ‘it thing’ compared to flowers,” she said.

“In a way these are better because people can actually eat them and enjoy them for a while.”

Filled with tasty treats such as lollies, chocolates, cookies and the odd alcoholic beverage, co-owner Angela Kerr said the bright and colourful box is also filled with “love and happiness”.

Inspired by local businesses and social media, the pair created their own Instagram account and put their own spin on it.

“We started an Instagram account with nothing on it and no followers,” Ms McSwain said.

“Within a week, we just went boom.”

Ms Kerr said customers had the option to personalise cookies and choose their own themes to coincide with special events such as birthdays and postponed wedding days.

She said through isolation, families were sending boxes to loved ones who they couldn’t be with on special occasions.

“I think isolation really helped the business get going because people couldn’t visit their families,” she said.

“We were delivering boxes to people that were missing each other.”

The best friends said they are so grateful to be able to put a smile on people’s faces during a tough year.

“It makes us feel good seeing our customer reviews and putting a smile on people’s faces from afar that couldn’t be visited,” Ms Kerr said.

“We’re spreading a bit of positivity throughout the community and it’s a nice feeling.

“Chocolate fixes everything.”

Not only has the business venture benefited the community, but Ms McSwain said it had also strengthened the friendship of the business owners.

“I never thought I’d have so much fun creating dessert boxes for others,” she said.

“What makes it even more special is the fact that I get to do it every day with my best friend.

“Our friendship has gotten stronger because of it.”