In the early 2000s, Cheryl and Roxanne got their start by making handmade chocolates for holiday parties and festivities. Both stay-at-home moms (one with a background in business and the other a former beautician), the neighborhood friends started selling their candies at local craft fairs. They soon moved to selling to local candy stores and moved to wholesale.

“When we decided to do the Krispy Treats, we created one that looked like Sponge Bob and the movie was just coming out.  We took them to a big show and they sold out fast,” recalled Cheryl. “We went home that night and made more for the next day and sold out again. We kept adding more treat styles to our line and they kept selling out. Then the possibilities of characters and styles were endless.”

Cheryl and Roxanne work with their own manufacturer for superior, delicious ingredients that are Gluten Free. “Cheryl is a very talented artist and her ideas and designs are what guides every style and all the updates/changes throughout the years,” Roxanne said of her partner.  

Forbidden Sweets is based in Antioch, Illinois and now employs a team of six, plus part-time workers during the busy holidays.

Roxanne and Cheryl stay busy with family outside of business. Roxane has twins (adults). Cheryl has three adult kids and 6 grandkids.