Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
PROMISING BUSINESS — Meryem Rogan, 19, of Houlton has found her niche in the business community with her “Promise Pretzels of Maine.” Rogan creates tasty, chocolate dipped pretzels in a variety of fun shapes and can make special orders for all occasions.
By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
HOULTON — Sometimes, you never know when inspiration for a new business is going to strike.
For Meryem Rogan, 19, of Houlton, that inspiration came in the summer of 2012 at her graduation party when a few simple party favors set her on the path of a promising new venture.
“I saw these cute little molds in the shape of graduation caps and gowns,” Rogan said. “I didn’t know of anyone else who was doing it locally, so I made up some, but it was not without a struggle.”
Her hand-dipped chocolaty pretzel creations were a huge hit with her party guests and several family members encouraged her to start her own business. With their financial help, Rogan was able to launch “Promise Pretzels of Maine.”
Rogan makes delicious candy confections in a variety of designs, colors and flavors, which are paired with a crunchy pretzel rods for what she calls “Pretzel Pops.”
“They are a perfect combination of sweet and salty,” she said.
She has more than 50 designs to choose from and multiple combinations of colors and flavors. Rogan also offers sugar-free, organic and gluten-free products.
After a period of product testing, she was officially licensed for business on April 16. She spent the summer selling her pretzels at the Community Market in downtown Houlton. During the summer, soft pretzels are a popular seller.
Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
TASTY TREAT — This gingerbread man is but one of many custom pretzel designs available.
Rogan said she models her soft pretzels after New York City street vendors to be crunchy on the outside, yet warm and gooey on the inside.
To create her “Pretzel Pops,” Rogan melts chocolate into pre-formed tins in a variety of shapes. Aside from straight chocolate, she makes maple, vanilla, white chocolate and her personal favorite, chocolate-peppermint.
Once the chocolate is melted and formed, the pops head into the freezer to harden up before they are removed and wrapped for sale.
Rogan said sales have been brisk this holiday season. Her products are available in several businesses around the area. Promise Pretzels are sold at Unique Boutique in Island Falls, Pleasant View Tree Farm in Hodgdon and Country Goose Gift Shop in Monticello. They can also be purchased directly from her website.
Rogan can personalize any orders with things such as favorite colors, or add a label to the front from a company or an individual greeting.
A percentage of her proceeds are committed to supporting medical missions around the world. For more information please check out: http://refugeplaceinternational.org/
For more information, or to place an order, call 538-6729 or visit her website: http://promisepretzels.com.
