Meet Chloë Cerva | Owner of Pretzel Prize

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chloë Cerva and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chloë, what do you attribute your success to?
Being authentically me within everything I do in my work. I won’t put something out into the world unless I love it. Having control of my designing/creating/marketing is what I really love about owning a business and I believe my style and energy of how I put myself out there is truly what makes my product shine bright,

What should our readers know about your business?
We’ve all heard the phrase “treat yourself” or if you’re chronically online, the act of leaving your house just for a little treat. That’s Pretzel Prize! It’s not a need, but a fun, delicious break from the monotony of everyday life. It’s what you bring to the party if you want to make friends. It’s a nostalgia of the mall but with unique, quality ingredients. It’s community in bread form.

I began Pretzel Prize during the pandemic in Portland, Oregon when I was baking daily for fun as a hobby. Rent was due…I didn’t have a job, no pandemic relief, and I had to just find the confidence to start something from scratch for the first time in my life. I made an Instagram page and began taking orders that day. I moved to Michigan 3 months later and had to start over again but was quickly supported by a kind and caring community.

It’s all made up of soft pretzels! Tasty original salt & butter, cinnamon sugar, confetti everything, sesame garlic, jalapeño cheddar, and a unique special flavor every week. I take orders weekly for boxes for pickup and appear at many pop ups at local events.

I’m most excited about people reacting positively to flavors I’m creating that are maybe more obscure. I’m a foodie at heart and I want to create an experience, but also have comforting favorites. Finding that balance so that there is something for everybody for whatever mood they are in!

My biggest challenge right now is probably having a small car. When I do pop ups for bigger events I like to have my pretzel warmer, but I usually need someone with a bigger vehicle bring it for me and it can be a two person move. I do like popping up in new cities and sometimes the travel for it is harder.

I’m a person whose an all around creator so if you’ve stumbled upon Pretzel Prize, it’s just one of the many projects I’m working on. I also love to design and sew clothing, style and model for photoshoots, and write music. I would love to create another brand in the future!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We have a lot of coffee shops here and I love them all, just depends on my mood! So we’d go on a little coffee tour. Uptown Grill is the breakfast spot for sure. Their French toasts go crazy. We’d take a walk or bikeride along the gorgeous waterfront. If the 52oh! cart Is open somewhere we’re getting Korean tacos from him, my favorite. I also really love the comfort of a booth at Coonan’s Irish Hub for lunch, something about it just feels good. We’d go chit chat with them about music at Electric Kitsch record shop. Hit up the new Bonejacked Vintage location which has doubled in size. See what new stunning Mid Century Modern finds Mike has at Retro Attics Studio. Get lost in the extremely large antique malls on Water street. Pick up quality cheese, chocolate, and drinks at Artigiano. Grab Dole Whips at Mussell Beach Drive In before walking through the paths at State Park. Play pinball at Crazy Quarters Arcade. Get our nails done at the beautiful Ocean Jasper Wellness. Go to either open mic or a drag show at Bemo’s, depending what kind of night they’re having. Mocktails, snacks, or dinner at either Prost, Public House, or Old City Hall.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mother Anne who has been there and helped me through my journey when I need guidance or assistance. Also my friends and family who spread the word to the community, wear my t-shirts, and actively share my posts. The support means the world to me!

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