Meet Jessica Dowsett | Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Dowsett and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve wanted to start my own business since I can remember. Several people in my family are creative and have started their own businesses. I think seeing them pursue their dreams and succeed was what inspired me.
I’ve had a lot of business ideas but making toffee came naturally to me because I love to bake and try new candy recipes, especially chocolate so it kind of fell into place when I was just doing it for enjoyment.

I started experimenting with toffee recipes when I moved to Nashville. It rains and snows there often, so my kids and I spent a lot of days indoors and I made candy to pass the time. After making the first batch and seeing how much everyone liked it, I felt passionate about perfecting the recipe.

As I fine-tuned it, I started bringing a batch or two to work for people to try and they loved it. When family and friends started pushing me to start a business, that gave me the confidence I needed to pursue it.

I decided to take the leap when I moved back to California, and it’s been going well. I started with the original recipe that I made in Tennessee, dark chocolate sea salt toffee which is still the most popular. I’ve added a few flavors since then, but I use the same almond toffee in each variation. Churro Toffee is the newest addition and there are more to come.

I’m passionate about every aspect of candy-making, from creating tasty, artisan chocolate treats to finding the perfect package to put it in. But what I like most about doing this is the joy that it brings to others. Toffee can brighten someone’s whole day.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Seaside Toffee is made in small batches with high quality ingredients. It has the classic buttery taste of toffee and chocolate but with a hint of sea salt.

I’m excited that this recipe I created on a rainy day in Tennessee is now enjoyed all over the country.

Starting a business is hard work and it takes a lot of dedication and discipline but if there’s something you really want to do, you should pursue it and see where it goes or you’ll always wonder.

Some of the challenges I’ve faced have been finding the time to start a business while raising a family as a single parent and having the courage to step out and do something that I’ve never done.

I’ve learned that starting is the hardest part of any journey, but once you take the first step, everything starts falling into place. You still have to work hard and it takes time but little things start happening at just the right time to encourage you and keep you going.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There’s so much to do in Huntington Beach. I love going to The Sugar Shack for breakfast and hanging out on Main Street. We’ll usually walk to the pier if we’re downtown and watch people surf and fish. We also enjoy night fishing during the summer.
The Farmer’s Market is a good place to go on Tuesday nights and I never get tired of driving down the coast or walking on the beach to watch the sunset.

We also like going to Newport Beach to the wedge or taking the ferry across the bay to visit all the shops.

I like being outdoors so sometimes we go to the tide pools at Crystal Cove or just spend the day at the beach.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m blessed with a close-knit, loving family who has always encouraged me. There’s no way I could have done this without their help and support, especially my parents and my kids.

Website: www.seasidetoffee.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/seaside_toffee