Chic Spotlight: Aani Sweets

Ife Bell (right) with her daughters Aalaura (middle) and Aanareya (left)

Cincy Chic: What’s the concept behind Aani Sweets?
The ladies of Aani Sweets: We’re a unique business bringing the sweeter side of life to life for our guests.

Cincy Chic: What inspired you to launch this business?
Aani Sweets: The business was born at the kitchen table from our love of tea.

Cincy Chic: Who can we find behind the scenes at Aani Sweets?
Aani Sweets: Well, the name “Aani” comes from the first initials of the ladies. A is for Aalaura – the youngest, writer/poet and future author; A is for Aanareya – the oldest, an athletes and future food scientist. I stands for Ife – the C.O.M., or Chief Operating Mom, of Aani Sweets

Cincy Chic: What kinds of products you offer customers?
Aani Sweets: We refer to our guests as “Sweet Peeps.” We offer gourmet handmade flavored sugars available in three different types: White Sugar Cane, Organic Turbine and Splenda. our line of handmade gourmet products is infused with premium natural ingredients. “One Lump or two” is our line of flavored gourmet sugars. Sweet Peeps are experimenting and enjoying our products in many different ways – in coffee, tea, cocktails, on oatmeal, cupcakes, cookies pastries or baked into recipes.

Cincy Chic: What makes you different from other businesses in the same industry?
Aani Sweets: The thing that makes us different from other businesses is that it’s run by blossoming, young female entrepreneurs and all of our products are handmade. The Organic Turbine Sugar we offer our Sweet Peeps is for the health-conscious guest while the white cane sugar and Splenda offer flavor enhancement for those who need sugar substitutes.

Cincy Chic: What are your best sellers and your price points?
Aani Sweets: To date, our best sellers are the Organic Turbine Sugars, Bourbon Vanilla, Lemon Drop and Sugar & Spice in the white cane sugar, the Coco Yum and the Splendid Vanilla in the Splenda. We offer several sizes: Lumps are approximately the equivalent of an ounce. One lump $3.50, three lumps $10.00, six lumps $19.50, and nine lumps $28.50. Items are also available in wholesale for restaurants, bakeries, coffee/tea houses and specialty retail shops.

Cincy Chic: What’s your favorite thing Aani Sweets offers?
Aani Sweets: We all prefer the Organic Turbine Sugar blends the most. There are so many ways to enjoy and experience the many flavors that it’s hard to pick one flavor, it’s more about the pairing. For tea, I (Ife) enjoy the Bourbon Vanilla, Lemon Drop and the Vanilla. In oatmeal and on various meats, I enjoy the Sugar & Spice. The girls’ favorite is the Coco Yum, which is great for making Chocolate Toast, what child wouldn’t love chocolate toast. The possibilities are endless.

Cincy Chic: Do you have anything new for the future of Aani Sweets?
Aani Sweets: We are researching and developing lots of new flavors; we have exciting new flavors coming in each blend of sugar. We have some exciting new flavors for the holidays and the “12 days of Sweetness” sampler set. We are also excited about our “Sweet Peeps” being able to find their favorite sugars at local stores and coffee shops.

Cincy Chic: Where can our readers go to learn more or order their own product?
Aani Sweets: Visit our website, Facebook Page or email us at AaniSweets19@gmail.com for more information.