June 13, 2023 By Marisa Olsen
Hingham and the South Shore community have a little extra sweetness, thanks to the family-operated and run Shatz’s Sugar Shack, founded by local resident Jerusha Shatzkamer. After a few years of planning and some life setbacks, the Shatzkamers are ready for their big (delicious) launch. Shatz’s Sugar Shack is an online sweets operation featuring made-to-order candy offerings and curated sweet boxes. The sweets are great for that moment when your sweet tooth takes over, or when your child needs that extra energy boost for the crunch of finals, or the perfect goody bag for your next special occasion. With tailored packages and custom orders available, Shatz’s Sugar Shack is ready to be your online destination for sweets.
We had the opportunity to sit down with Jerusha to learn more about her business and life in Hingham.
How would you describe Shatz’s Sugar Shack?
Shatz’s Sugar Shack is an online candy gift company. We curate gifts, from corporate gift boxes to teacher appreciation gifts to holiday-specific boxes, and everything in between. We also do party boxes/bags for birthdays, showers, graduations, weddings, sports tournaments, girls/guys weekends, and any other type of event. We are also happy to brainstorm any ideas you have for a special someone or a special day.
How did you get started?
The idea/concept started several years back on one of our annual summer vacations on Nantucket. A “must do” every summer was always a stop at the Nantucket Candy Store. This particular year, the Kardashians were on the island and we were told by the proprietor that we spent more money than they did. I guess you could say that was our epiphany moment, and we started talking about opening our own candy store with our family’s collective love of candy. My son was the one who came up with the name before anyone else. We talked about it off and on; then I decided that I really wanted to run with it. Off we went, making some great strides -–logo design, website design, and a small handful of clients, and then we hit some major stumbling blocks. First, a world-wide pandemic, which was not exactly the best time to be thinking of opening a brick-and-mortar store. We shifted gears and began to design and focus on an online model instead.
Then in 2020 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Once again, things slowed down significantly as I went through treatment, and all that goes along with it. Once healthy and cleared by doctors, I decided it was time to go full speed beginning in 2022. We soft-launched our website in March 2023 and did our big launch in May 2023.
What was your background before launching an online candy boutique?
My background is in retail management, store merchandising, and store design. I spent my “first career” working for some major retailers – Gap Inc, American Eagle Outfitters. During my time in retail, I was able to work with teams as they built out two new brands, and had a blast working on the creative side. That experience has been priceless when thinking about how to build Shatz’s Sugar Shack, though obviously on a much smaller scale. My “second career” has been in residential real estate since 2014, which has led me to meet and work with some amazing people. I guess you could say sales is in my DNA. I love people and I love candy; what better way is there to start our next adventure?
How can people order?
The easiest way for people to order is through our website: www.ShatzSugarShack.com.
If clients see something they like but would like to change or add something, just send us an email or give us a call and we are happy to discuss. Our goal is for our clients to get exactly what they want for that special gift.
What is the most popular package or item?
Our most popular gift box is The Sampler. This gift contains (six) 4-ounce glass jars of different varieties of candy. I find people like this the most as they may not know exactly what their gift recipient likes, so they can choose several options.
What is your favorite?
My favorite is May’s Gift Box, which is our Finals Survival Box. For anyone who has gone through a week of final exams, whether it be high school or college, you know it takes a lot to keep you awake, motivated, and alert. This box contains (two) 8-ounce glass jars of chosen candy varieties as well as a mini takeout box (an ode to the dinner choices during finals) with 4 ounces of another candy variety. We also added pixie sticks or rock candy sticks for that extra “boost.”
Are there any details about sourcing you’d like to share?
We have been purposeful in our packaging to be sure to use products that were either made from recycled materials or that can be recycled or repurposed. Our glass jars and gift box packaging are all 100% recyclable materials. As far as candy goods, we try to use smaller wholesalers to help in the spirit of small business-to-business relationships.
What is your favorite part about living in Hingham?
We moved to Hingham 15 years ago and haven’t looked back since. The sense of community and support is unmatched. Our downtown is full of small businesses that are thriving because of the support of the community. I know several friends in the community who have started small businesses in Hingham, and have flourished due to the support from our residents. It’s in everyone’s best interest for businesses like ours to do well and, I believe people in the community understand that and do what they can to help support these businesses.
Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
There are no client orders too small or too big. We’ve been asked if a single item is too small … not at all. We are happy to work with anyone and everyone. For special requests, we do ask for a 7-10 day lead time. Delivery is always free to the local area as well. We are also looking to partner with other local retail businesses to expand distribution.
Contact details:
781-214-1151
www.ShatzSugarShack.com
Info@shatzsugarshack.com
