Name of business: The Apple Chick
Type of business: Candy apple creator
Location: Central Park Evening Market in downtown Turlock, and by order
Hours: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursdays through Sept. 28 at the downtown market or by appointment
Contact information: 209-850-5670
Specialty: Gourmet candy bar apples
Turlock resident Jodie Wilson never thought she would become a business owner one day. She was just a mom trying to raise funds for her son’s field trip the first time she dipped an apple into a crockpot filled with warm, gooey caramel, selling the delicious treats to friends and neighbors who knew how badly her son wanted to travel to Washington, D.C. What began as a way to raise money was a hit with sweet-lovers around town, and now Wilson is known as “The Apple Chick,” creating candy apples by the hundreds for Turlockers to enjoy.
“I got started by making a batch of caramel apples, and after my son’s trip was paid for, people kept asking for more apples and it just grew from there,” said Wilson. “Everyone has been really supportive.”
What began as apples simply dipped in caramel, white chocolate and milk chocolate has evolved to include candy apples of countless varieties, from Butterfinger, Reese’s and Snickers topped apples to S’mores, Rocky Road and Apple Pie flavored treats. Wilson also offers gluten-free toppings, and even accepts custom orders through her Facebook page, The Apple Chick, and via phone call or text message.
“I just started thinking, ‘What would taste good on these?’ and trying different toppings,” said Wilson. “Sometimes people want to try strange combinations, but I’ll always say, ‘Hey, I’ll try.’”
Wilson’s favorite apple topping combinations are the Apple Pie flavor, a unique Cheesecake flavor and an Almond Joy take on the candy apple, she said. The public, however, can’t seem to pick a favorite.
“It seems that my most popular flavors rotate,” said Wilson. “One day it will be Cheesecake, and a month later it will be Apple Pie or Snickers.”
In addition to offering delectable apples to those who have a hankering for sweets, The Apple Chick also provides fundraising opportunities for those looking to raise money in a tasty way. To date, Wilson has spearheaded fundraisers for organizations like Turlock Youth Cheer, Newman Cheer, Turlock Youth Soccer Association and others. The organization trying to raise funds is able to pick nine different flavors of apples, which they then sell for a profit.
“Supporting local businesses helps people have pride in their community,” said Wilson. “It’s helps us get outside of our little houses and help each other out.”
Currently, The Apple Chick’s products are available at the Central Park Evening Market in Turlock on Thursdays, and Wilson also travels to sell apples at Twain Harte’s Concert in the Pines. Customers can also order apples through Facebook or phone, and pick them up at Wilson’s home.
“My favorite part is hearing people just love the apples, getting to know my customers and that I get to work with my family. If it wasn’t for them and all their help, I wouldn’t be able to do this at all,” said Wilson. “It’s fun, and I think caramel apples make everybody happy.”
