DEBRA

Founder | Co-Owner | Mum

Douglas Sweets Owner, Hannah Townsend Allain

Hannah

Co-Owner | Daughter

OUR STORY

I opened my business, Douglas Sweets, because I needed an income. A simple and very focused need helped to create the growing Vermont business we have today. 

In 2008 I convinced the father of my children to agree to, and support, my dream of taking our four teenagers backpacking around the world. We set off from Vermont in the early morning of December 2nd. Saying goodbye to all known comforts, security, and regular communication we flew to our first stop in South America, Peru. For the next two years, we would live in isolation from our family, friends, and home - in the welcoming arms of the backpacking community around the world. We traveled on a shoestring budget, really stretching every dollar to make this adventure last. Two years and 45 countries later we were homeward bound. It was time for the kids to head off to university and for me to start the next chapter of my life. 

With no money and 18+ years of home-maker experience, my options were limited. It was Christmas time and gifts were going to have to be homemade this year. Shortbread was a family specialty, it was the most comforting food I knew. I baked several batches as holiday gifts for friends. It was that moment when the support from friends to start a business out of this particular cookie presented itself.

First, a small out-of-home shortbread bakery distributing to local co-ops and independent markets and now producing cookies for shortbread lovers across the country. 

My daughter, Hannah, jumped on board after university. The two of us worked tirelessly to move our company out of the house and into a new bakery facility. Scaling up our baking process and taking on new retail customers throughout New England. 

We are shamelessly proud of our product. We are very deliberate with all our choices from ingredients, recipes, packaging, and our representation as a small business. We love good food and it was something we made sure to convey through our own products. We have reintroduced shortbread with a unique twist of chocolate, spice and exciting flavors.

We produce a very thoughtful and delicious product and we hope you enjoy it immensely. 

Thank you for supporting our business. 

Cheers, 

Debra

Our Factory Store

22 Sage Court, Suite 2
Shelburne, Vermont

Mon - Thurs, 7:30am - 4:00pm
Friday - Sunday, Closed

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Douglas Sweets Shortbread Cookies on Sheet Tray in bakery

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