Sitting behind a bright multi-colored tablecloth decorated with
homemade maple pecan caramels and coconut cashew brittle, Laurel
Siegel is basking in the glow that comes with being a favorite
merchant at the Medford Square Market. Only the smart phone tucked
in her lap gives her away - she's a lawyer by trade.
Siegel, co-chair of the MBA's Property Law Section, is a solo
practitioner in Boston concentrating in commercial and residential
real estate law. When the Medford resident is not dealing with
purchase and sale agreements, Siegel dabbles in the creation of her
own unique sweets under the name Sweet LoLo's
(www.sweetlolosweets.com).
"I feel like I'm leading this double life," said a laughing
Siegel, who spends up to 25 hours a week on her hobby. "I wouldn't
do it unless I was having fun with it. It's very gratifying to make
a product and have people enjoy it."
The confections crafted by Siegel are made with flavors inspired
by natural ingredients such as fruits, nuts, spices and teas.
Customer favorites include pistachio brittle, coconut cashew
brittle, apple cider caramels and buttermilk caramels; but she also
creates taffy and marshmallow candies, among others. The caramels
are hand-wrapped. The brittle is packaged in bags with ribbons that
coordinate with the flavors and adorned with a logo Siegel
created.
Sweet LoLo's has developed a fan base, and Marlene Aborn is one
of the addicted. "I got a new name for you, the Siren of Sweets,
because each time I walk by, I get called over," Aborn, senior
clerk for the Medford Veterans Services office, told Siegel when
she visited her table at the market over the summer. "I tell myself
I won't get any, but I always do."
Siegel incorporated Sweet LoLo's in May, launched her Web site
in June, began to post on Twitter (SweetLoLoSweets), was a staple
at the Medford Square Market every Thursday through October,
started offering her candies at FrancesRay Jules Salon in Boston
this fall, and is now attending craft fairs. Siegel is also
interested in making corporate gifts and creations for
weddings.