Hazel E. Arce, Co-Owner of Toasted Mallow

Instagram: @toasted.mallow 

Twitter: @toasted_mallow  

I chose this as my career because it allowed me to open up my creative side without being stifled by corporation guidelines. I am a true entrepreneur. I flourish best when I am able to unleash the creative beast in my brain without any restrictions! 

I hope my greatest contribution to the Valley culinary scene is to provide and create happy memories when visiting our location.

Creating and designing is what I love most about what I do. Having the time to do all the creative things I have in my brain is the biggest challenge.

I separate myself and my brand from others by creating a look and feel that is unique to our product. I want to communicate happiness, fun and excitement around our brand that will resonate with every age.

I draw inspiration from all the cartoons I watched as a kid and from my father who always made it fun to be a kid.

My New Year’s resolution is to keep doing what I'm doing. I'm grateful for every year that I am allowed to be a business owner of such an amazing, fun place!

My greatest advice to share with young girls is ignore those that don't believe in your dreams. You don't need them to succeed as long as you believe in yourself and keep your dreams a priority. As my mom always said: "You are the greatest gift. You have to take care of yourself. Everything else will follow."

Tricia Arce, Co-Owner and Marshmallow Magician at Toasted Mallow

I chose this as my career because it made people happy when they ate my creations, and it was my therapy after my grandmother’s passing. Through marshmallows, I still feel connected to a person who was a big part of my life.

I hope my greatest contribution to the Valley culinary scene is creating a memorable experience to share and talk about with loved ones for years to come.

Marshmallow smiles are what I love most about what I do. Getting known nationally is the biggest challenge.

I separate myself and my brand from others by creating the first-ever S’mores Bar and creating marshmallow nostalgia.

I draw inspiration from the customers and new dessert trends.

My New Year’s resolution is to be better than I was last year and to have a little more fun.

My greatest advice to share with young girls is do it! Don’t let words of others stifle your desires to becoming great in the world.

Toasted Mallow is a Gilbert-based shop specializing in handcrafted marshmallows.