A note from Maria

For 15 years I built a career in Corporate America, and while I was good at it, something was always missing. In February I stepped away to finally pursue the creative life I had been quietly craving and to spend more time with my kids. The Small Business Edit was born out of my deep belief that small businesses are the backbone of communities like ours, and that the people behind them have stories worth telling. This series is my way of honoring those stories, one business at a time.


What inspired you to start Bash Board Candy Co?

I came up with the idea for Bash Board in 2019 after I told a dear friend of mine that I wanted to bring something to share for her annual Halloween party. I've always loved planning and hosting parties myself, and finding ways to make the decor, food, and vibe at any gathering fun, customized, and special is something I take great pride in. Needless to say, I showed up with a 6' coffin-shaped board adorned with skeletons and spiders filled with delicious spooky treats. It was a hit, and all I heard all night is that I needed to "DO THIS," and not just for fun.

What is the meaning behind your name?

I wanted it to be fun. I love the word "bash" when talking about a party. It's not just like having a bunch of people present to celebrate, but definitely means everyone is having a great time, laughing, singing, dancing, drinking, and celebrating. It says that if you're throwing a party, it's gonna be a good one. Over the years, I've learned that my best customers are people who want that wow-factor to show their guests a good time and have them go home talking about how much fun they had.

Woman in white top and jeans arranging colorful candies on kitchen counter with jars of sweets nearby.
Smiling woman in white top and jeans standing at kitchen counter with colorful candy jars and treats.

What is the most memorable board you have ever created, and what was the story behind it?

That's a hard question to answer — there have been so many! The round boards are my favorite, and anything with a theme is my jam. Some of my favorites have included a Country Thunder board, a 90th birthday board shipped to Arizona for a surprise party, a hockey club Christmas board, an Elf-themed board for the cast of the live musical, a Masters-themed board, and a board table-runner for a basketball school fundraising event. I also did a really cool birthday board with a hidden Luke Bryan concert ticket in it. It was red, white and blue with a huge chocolate guitar in the middle, and little brown cowgirl boots throughout. It was awesome!

Colorful rows of assorted candies including red gummies, white marshmallows, blue sugar bears, and sprinkled chocolate clusters.
Hands reaching into glass jars filled with colorful candies including red licorice, pink gumballs, and pastel marshmallows on a table.
Red Bash Board Candy Co gift bag with pink bow surrounded by colorful assorted candies and glass jars on a table.
Colorful candy arrangement with blue sugar gummies, pink flower, orange and teal sprinkled sweets in a decorative display.
Colorful candy display with gummy bears, sprinkled chocolates, and jars of sweets on a kitchen counter.
Glass jars filled with colorful assorted candies including red licorice, mint discs, and flower-shaped sweets on a dark surface.

What is your favorite part of the process, from the first idea for a board to the final reveal?

My favorite part of the process has always been putting the finishing touches on a board — seeing all my ideas about color, texture, flavors and design come together, and then sharing it with my customers.

Woman arranging colorful candy display on dark table near window with jars of sweets and treats.
Woman arranging colorful candies in jars on a dark table near a sunlit window in a bright, cozy kitchen.
Woman decorating a colorful celebration cake surrounded by jars of candy near a sunlit window.

What advice would you give someone who wants to start a small business?

Just go for it with everything you have. It doesn't have to be perfect or 100% figured-out from the start. A good plan is just a start, and will change as you have success, make mistakes, and learn and grow from all of it.


Bash Board Candy Co specializes in custom candy boards for celebrations of all sizes. Follow along @bashboardcandyco on Instagram or reach out for custom orders.


Photography by Maria Klovens — mariaklovensphotography.com

Colorful candy display with red licorice, gummy sweets, and a Bash Board Candy Co. label at a candy buffet.