Member Spotlight - Caitlin and Michelle, Pizzelle’s Confections

Welcome to our regular feature where we introduce you to the local people who bring such creativity and vision to our community.

Today, we introduce you to sisters and #girlbosses Caitlin Lyon and Michelle Pennell.

How many years have you been in business in Huntsville?

We’ve been in Huntsville for 32 years – we both graduated from high school here. We’ve had Pizzelle’s for five and a half years.

What inspired you to start your own business?

We talked for years about opening a chocolate shop and dessert café. Michelle’s original inspiration was the 1971 movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory – she’s been saying that she would be a candy maker and chocolatier since she was five years old! We really were inspired by childhood dreams and our passion for food and fine chocolate. When all the pieces started falling into place in 2012 and 2013, we knew we had to seize the opportunity. No one can really prepare you to own and run your own business, so it’s been quite a ride so far, but full of wonderful surprises.

What is unique about Pizzelle’s Confections?

We make everything that we sell in-house. Our kitchens are open – our customers can see everything we do to make our chocolates, cakes, and desserts, and that’s not typical for chocolate shops. For us, the whole concept of being at Lowe Mill, which is a working artist community, meant that people could watch our process.

Our flavor combinations are always interesting. We don’t want to hit just one flavor note with anything we make. We want you to experience the complexity of the combinations we have. Our cake and chocolate skills elevate our products to true artistry.

When you’re not working, you’re …

Hanging out with family and friends. And napping whenever we get the chance!

What does “LOCAL” mean to you?

Local means being a part of the community, knowing the people behind the products that you buy. Collaborating with other local business and non profit organizations.

What is your favorite thing about Huntsville?

Huntsville’s really blossomed in the past 5 – 10 years!

What’s on your desk right now?

Vitamins, antacid, sticky notes, and peanut butter.

Words to live by…

Take your work and your artistry seriously, but not yourself.

Michelle, Caitlin and pastry chef Emily Hawkins not taking themselves too seriously.

What do you never leave home without?

Lip balm and pants.