Sugar Mamma Caramels all began as a gift of love.
Since 2009, our founder and confectioner, Nancy Gulizia, has been gifting family and friends with her signature Sea Salt Caramels every Christmas. Encouraged by their “oohing and ahhing” every year, Nancy entered a local candy-making contest and won! The award led to a local TV spot, and a CFO (Cottage Food Operation) was born!
Sugar Mamma Caramels can be found in shops all over San Diego, as well as in our frequent partnerships with our friends in ice cream parlors, local wineries, and coffee shops! As the consistent winner of San Diego’s Favorite Dessert, Sugar Mamma Caramels remain a local favorite.
Now offering curbside pick up at Sugar Mamma Headquarters in charming Talmadge, San Diego.
My mission is to make high-quality, hand-crafted, small-batch caramels using no additives or preservatives. I make my caramels to order, filling requests for one bag or 1,000 bags!
About Nancy Gulizia
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am New York-born and California-raised. I have two beautiful daughters, one awesome son-in-law, and a precious granddaughter!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
My current career for many years has been as a confectioner and baker. I love creating desserts because I get to bring people so much joy!
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Being very self-motivated is essential for the success of owning your own business, plus genuinely loving what you do!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In the next 5-10 years, I hope to continue to fulfill my motto, “Give love, add a little sugar!”
Nancy Gulizia & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Monzu, Village Vino, Puesto, Madi
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
32 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Leah Warder /owner of Zen Sanctuary
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Lafayette Hotel
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love my community of Talmadge for its friendly neighbors, our food truck nights, and our walkability
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
Ina Garten! She is my inspiration. I would take her to lunch at La Valencia. I think that would be right up her alley.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
One of my favorite movies is “Love Actually”.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
most people don’t know I was a competitive runner
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My family
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
my daughters
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
Curebound
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Always be kind; you never know what someone is going through
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
Talmadge
What I love about my Neighborhood:
See above!
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
Bruch at Madi, walk by the ocean, dinner, and an overnight stay at The Lodge
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love, pure joy, peace
