Morgan: I first started working at SD in October 2011. I was a student at St. Joseph Academy and SD reached out to my school to share the job posting with juniors/seniors. My best friend got a job at SD first and then encouraged me to apply. She only worked at Sweet Designs for a few months, but I stayed on until August 2014 when I moved to Wisconsin for college.

Truffles: What brought you back? 

Morgan: I work for Smucker, whose headquarters are located about an hour south of Cleveland. I was previously working fully remote but relocated back to the area for a new hybrid role in October 2023. I bought a house in Lakewood and with Sweet Designs a mile away, and my evenings free, it was a great fit.  

Truffles: Any big changes? 

Morgan: The business has grown so much over the past 10 years! The CHOKOLATINE line is a huge component of the business that didn't exist when I previously worked at SD, and learning about that process and how it is managed differently than traditional SD products has been very interesting. Also the lasting innovations that came out of the pandemic business model - such as increased online ordering and the new display cases in the front of the store. 

Truffles: What do you enjoy most? 

Morgan: Previously I worked in the kitchen, and I really enjoyed making all the different molded chocolates (such as the corporate logo bars and holiday lollipops). I would get a list of what was needed and then I could strategically plan the day to get it all done, and find my rhythm. There are so many little tricks that go into getting the chocolates to look beautiful - such as using paint brushes to make sure all the nooks and crannies of a mold get filled! Nowadays I have been helping more with retail and have really enjoyed interacting with the customers and hearing about the special occasions they are celebrating or their connection to Sweet Designs.   

Truffles: What is your go-to chocolate? 

Morgan: MK Pecan clusters and PB Cups. Chocolate covered strawberries whenever they are available!