Creating nostalgic treats with a BFY twist: Mojave Mallows
Co-Founder Stephanie Chan chats about the new candy product.
Courtesy of Mojave Mallows
Founded by two sisters and former Girl Scouts, Mojave Mallows was born from a deep love of nature and a passion for reimagining classic treats with a healthier spin. The AAPI-led brand actively supports the Joshua Tree National Park Association, reflecting its commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the desert landscape. Each batch is handmade in California using USDA-certified organic ingredients and eco-friendly packaging made from post-consumer recycled materials.
Cooked for over 18 hours, each marshmallow reportedly delivers a light, ultra-fluffy texture and lower melting point, and are made with desert-sourced organic agave and fortified dates.
We touched base with Stephanie Chan, co-founder, Mojave Mallows, to learn more about the new product.
Liz Parker Kuhn: How did you decide to start Mojave Marshmallows?
Stephanie Chan: I was a Girl Scout, so I grew up on s’mores. I also gravitate to the outdoors, including everything from enjoying nature to practicing sustainability and buying organic products. And while there are tons of great chocolates and cookies on the market, I couldn’t find a single clean, organic marshmallow to recreate my childhood staple. So I started playing with local dates and agave syrups until I perfected my own recipe.
LPK: How did you receive funding for the business?
SC: We are bootstrapped, so we have funded it ourselves, with a little help from our dad.
LPK: What made you choose organic agave and fortified dates as ingredients, and/or what other ingredients do the marshmallows use?
SC: We love dates, and they are a staple in the desert. We were excited to experiment with them, and they add a natural caramel color and flavor. We also use organic Madagascar vanilla beans and kosher gelatin.
LPK: Do you have a growth strategy for the brand?
SC: Our strategy is to grow sustainably, starting with our local markets (like Erewhon and Mother's Market) and extending outward. We also have been putting more focus into events and social media.
LPK: Can you talk a bit about your support of the Joshua Tree National Park Foundation Association?
SC: Yes! We were founded in Joshua Tree, and are stocked in all of the visitor centers. We donate a percentage of those proceeds to the Joshua Tree National Park Association (JTNPA). We also do events with JTNPA to support them in their mission.
LPK: What’s your vision for the future of the brand?
SC: We are really excited for a new s'more kit, which is coming out this summer. Our vision is to elevate campfire classics in a super fun way!
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