For 24 years, Dawn Oesch has been satisfying every sweet tooth that shops at Saratoga Candy Co. Before customers pick their treat of choice, it’s in the kitchen where the magic begins in Dawn’s mixing bowl.

“Some people have embroiders and stuff and big machinery but we’re too little to have all that,” said Oesch.

Around three days a week during the summer months, Oesch is mixing and molding chocolate.

“It’s old school so it’s a little bit more labor intensive but more a labor of love,” said Oesch.

Oesch’s little bites of love have become a staple in Saratoga. She opened the shop at just 25 years old. Originally located on Washington Street, she moved to Broadway fall of 2021.

“The great thing is that we have these huge six windows that are right at kid level,” she said.

The shop is busy year round. Valentine’s Day, Halloween, and Christmas, ecspecially. But during track season, the sugar rush seems to spike with all the tourists in town. Oesch's handmade chocolate horse lollies are the top seller.

“Those fly off the shelves and the hard candy ones because they’re cute."

If it tastes good and has to do with horses, she's likely selling it.

“Gotta have pony plop, which is poo,” said Oesch. "As long as it says poo on it, people are excited."

Of course, it's really just almonds with chocolate. Oesch has learned quite a bit about what people like and knows while taste is important, what customers really crave is an experience.

“It's a great feeling to have people come in and be like 'this is our neighborhood store,’” said Oesch. “I've grown up with some of the kids seeing them as little ones all the way to now they're bringing in their kids, it makes me feel old but it's okay too because you're making their memories and i couldn't ask for anything better. It's a great feeling."

As Saratoga's self-proclaimed "candy lady," Oesch has one piece of advice she hopes customers walk away with.

“Life is short! Eat the chocolates, have a lollipop,” said Oesch. “Just enjoy it, because why not!”