We’re excited to present our newest editorial series, Mom About Town. In this series, we will highlight mothers in Flagstaff that are doing amazing things! From business owners to volunteers and community ambassadors we hope these interviews are encouraging and inspirational.
Jennifer Rolley
:: Meet Jennifer ::
Tell us a little about yourself, and your family:
My husband, Blake and I moved to Flagstaff from Phoenix while expecting our first born. Raising two kids in Flagstaff has been a tremendous gift to our family. Both of our children have grown up working at the Sweet Shoppe and are both seniors this year. Our oldest is graduating from U of A and her little brother is graduating from Northland Preparatory Academy in May 2020.
Share a little history behind your passion, and how you got started:
The Sweet Shoppe Candy Store is located in the heart of downtown Flagstaff, across from Heritage Square. We are a mom and pop in our 9th year of creating a wide variety of candy confections. I am a shameless foodie and love marketing and merchandising. When the previous tenet, a fly fishing store closed, we jumped on the location in hopes that Flagstaff would embrace a fun loving old fashioned candy/gelato shop. Most of our candies are made in house with a very creative team of 20-25 employees.
What’s a bit of insight you would share with yourself if you could go back in time?
If I could go back in time and offer a bit of advice to a younger me, I would encourage a bit more patience with myself. I find patience with my family and staff is much easier than with myself. Maybe it is a mom thing, but I often finish the day wishing I had accomplished a bit more. Self care is very important when following your passion.
What motivates and inspires you?
I guess you could say I am a people person. Working with an amazing enthusiastic team inspires me every day. The consistent positive energy our customers bring in the door is affirmation we must be doing something right. However, my biggest motivation in all I do is to hopefully be a role model for our kids in character, work ethic, compassion, grace, and humility.
What is the most rewarding part of what you do?
My shop has a minimum of 20 young adults on our team at all times, and they become family. Yes, I love the growth Sweet Shoppe has enjoyed, but being a second mamma while mentoring these amazing people is the most rewarding part of my job.
What is the most challenging thing you encounter as a mother pursuing her passions?
The most challenging thing as a mom/business owner for me has been juggling both at the same time. If your kiddo is having an “off” day when you drop them at school and head to work, the worry stays with you all day. My family comes first, but my staff can not suffer if my thoughts are elsewhere.
The challenges are worth having the ability to call my own hours, be there for my kid’s events, and take off if they are sick.
What advice would you share with another mother starting her own journey to follow her passion?
If you are considering following your own dream, include the entire family. Kids need to be needed ~ even when they complain about it. If they are part of the family mission, then they feel respected and valued. That feeling of belonging/ownership carries over to the classroom, field, stage, track, and everything they do.
What are some of your Favorites?
As far as my favorites…lunch with friends; time with friends ~ any Flagstaff trail for quality friend time; a night out with my favorite guy at the Annex; all things Flagstaff @discoverflagstaff; and our family must is Sunday morning Farmer’s Market at city hall. (Did I mention I’m a foodie?)