One lick, two licks, three licks were all it took to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop. Knowing how the flavors would combine in your mouth, slow licking was not an option. You wanted the satisfaction now. However, I have found one lollipop that you will want to lick slowly to really savor and enjoy it. Ashley Odom, the owner of Omazing Occasions, talks to us about how she turned the everyday lollipop into an adult only experience.

Just in time for the upcoming National Lollipop Day, Odom has released a new product to her already tasty line of treats for all occasions. Candiliquors are lollipops infused with alcohol. Flavors include Crown Royal paired with apple or peach and Ciroc coupled with watermelon, mango, and green apple flavors. The Crown Royal pops are the most favored by customers including Odom herself. “My personal favorites are the Crown Peach and Ciroc Watermelon, but I enjoy them all!” she admitted. Going at $25 per dozen, Odom is happy to whip out a batch with your choice of alcohol and flavoring.

Candiliquors maybe Odom’s new product, however, her signature item is her chocolate covered Oreos. Her ‘Omazing’ Oreos were the second product that she offered through her business that she started in 2013. She started out making diaper cakes as gifts for baby showers. Not wanting to limit herself she expanded her product line to include chocolate covered Oreos after seeing some on Facebook. At the time, Odom had not seen the item and didn’t know anyone who sold them. She did a little research on how to make the ooey, gooey sinfully good cookies and ran with it.

“I like making treats that are unique and new to my customers. I like the idea of being able to provide items that few are currently making so I can add on to your event in a way that you may not have thought of before,” said Odom, who also makes chocolate covered strawberries, dipped pretzels, and chip and treat bags. Just recently to her title of candymaker, she added that of t-shirt creator with a line of personalized t-shirts and bags.

Although her product line is constantly expanding, Odom says customers return again and again for her chocolate covered Oreos. Add a personal touch to your Oreo design with a photo, company logo, ivy leaf and more. The cookies start at $25 and up per dozen.

“They can be used as favors for literally any occasion whether it’s a birthday, retirement party, wedding, a shower or even a corporate event.” Odom continued, “Many of my customers have purchased them for different types of events and I have some that purchase annually for the same occasion, so they are definitely my favorite to make.”

Odom feels honored when customers speak about how much guests loved her products. Laughing at the fact that some customers say the treats go so fast at their events they barely get a chance to eat them. Cleverly, they have learned to order a few extra treats or put some aside before serving to guests.

Odom’s mind is always working trying to improve her many creations. Be on the lookout as she is working to create more personalized t-shirts focusing on natural hair, bags, and add dimension to the Candiliquors. Odom is also exploring ways to utilize new techniques and adding levels of complexity to her other treats so she can up the ante on what’s been solid for her throughout the years.

Ordering any of Odom’s ‘omazing’ delectables are easy. Just log on to her website www.omazingoccasions.com or contact her on social media FB/DeepImpact403, FB/ omazingoccasions, Twitter @DeepImpact403, IG @omazingoccasions for more information and pricing. Orders need to be placed at least two weeks in advance and the balance is due one week before the needed date.

Omazing Occasions allows Odom to live out her passion for crafting while making some extra money on the side.

Odom adds, “I encourage everyone to find a way to turn your passion into profit. Everyone has some type of skill that they can tap into that makes them unique and the entrepreneurial space is growing daily, so there’s room for everyone to make it!”

Ashley Odom is a self-described forever country girl that was born and raised in Center, TX (East Texas). For 18 years she has called Houston home since graduating from the University of Houston where she fell in love with the city. She is an educator and a life-long learner by nature who’s always had a passion for technology and crafting.

Business Style is a new column running on the 1st and 4th of the month highlighting African American and Hispanic small business owners. Email editorial@stylemagazine.com with the subject Business Style for consideration on featuring your small business.