Today we’d like to introduce you to Roberta (Robbie) Namee.
Hi Roberta (Robbie), having you on the platform is an honor. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
While growing up with Lebanese immigrant grandparents, there is a history of rich tradition. My Sittee (grandmother) was an excellent cook. Spending time with my Sittee and mom and learning how to make our traditional Lebanese dishes are memories I will always treasure. But there was one special treat they made every Christmas that I always wanted to learn to make, Sittee’s Peanut Brittle.
Every Christmas, my Sittee and her sisters would get together and make batch after batch of this golden crunchy sweet delight. Unfortunately, I never learned directly from Sittee how to make her brittle. After several disastrous attempts and different recipes, my Aunt Sadie spent an afternoon with me, teaching and showing me the steps. Since then, I have carried on the tradition of making Peanut Brittle for my family and friends.
In 2006 I was let go from my job, my position was eliminated, and I was trying to find a way to bring in some extra income while looking for a job. In late June, I asked my family if I could sell Sittee’s Peanut Brittle at the local Farmers Market. Without hesitation, my sister-in-law Jackie was the first to say YES! On a warm day in June and with encouragement from my family and friends, Sittee’s Fine Confections was established, and we started selling Sittee’s Peanut Brittle and Gracie’s Brittle (no nuts) at our local farmers market.
On my first Saturday, I pulled in and thought, “This is crazy” I pulled out an old folding table I had borrowed from a neighbor, laid out a bright tablecloth, and put my samples out. Customer after Customer stopped and sampled, and I sold a bag here and there. I looked in the trunk to put out a few more bags, I there were none. I had sold everything! Suddenly, I had a clientele, regular customers, every Saturday.
I no longer participate in the local Farmer’s Market due to the demand from numerous accounts. We currently have retail customers throughout the State of Kansas; we will occasionally do some three-day markets and a few pop-up markets. We offer five varieties of Brittle, Traditional Peanut, Jalapeno, Cinnamon Pecan, Cashew, and Pecan.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
There are always challenges; that is how you learn and trying to find a commercial kitchen to rent in the area, rising ingredients costs, and balancing a full-time job.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I grew up in a family-owned candy and tobacco business based out of Hutchinson, KS. I learned office management, customer service, and organizational skills there, and more! I currently work full-time with a non-profit and run Sittee’s Fine Confections. I am very proud of what I have accomplished with Sitttee’s. What sets me apart from others is I have been on both sides of the desk as an owner and employee, so I understand the challenges of owning and running a business.
What does success mean to you?
My products make people happy! We have established a following with our company not just here in Kansas; we have shipped our products everywhere, for example, Canada, New York, and California.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sittees-fine-confections.square.site
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sittee2/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sittees-Fine-Confections-145465912147635
Image Credits
Hannah Abou-Faissal, Rustic Wind Photography, abou.photography@gmail.com, abousphotos.com
