Our Story
Hi there! I am Melissa DiMinico, hence DiMinico's. A little background: I am a Gemini 100%...I feel I am my best when I am juggling a thousand things at once. A busy mom of 2 teenage boys (Joey 15 and Anthony 13) and wife to my best friend, Chris, for the last 22 years. I love traveling with family and friends, cooking, baking (especially my moms recipes to keep traditions alive) and shopping!
For 2 decades, I worked in finance and spent my life working with spreadsheets. I always knew this wasn't my forever job- I couldn't sit at my desk all day! I wanted to own my own business. When I was 24, Chris and I wanted to open an Italian specialty store, but didn't think we could juggle a mortgage and store rent, so that dream was put on hold. Fast forward, The Candy Dish was established as a side hustle and quickly grew into our first brick and mortar with my partner, Shauna. The last 9 years were amazing and learned how much I LOVE owning a business. 2024 provided me the opportunity to open the store I wanted to 20+ years ago. The main take away, never give up because you never know where your life will take you. I am finally going to bring all of favorite things to one place! I couldn't be happier! My shopping, traveling and eating are all going to benefit you to have the most fabulous shopping experience.
Meet the Team
-
Shauna is our co-creator of The Candy Dish and has been loving confectionery for over 16 years since her time studying pastry at The Cambridge School of Culinary Arts. With a love for all things chocolate, her top pick from our collection is our irresistible toffee. When she's not whipping up our signature sweets, she enjoys family time with her daughter Stella and husband Dave, paired with a strong cup of coffee and a handful of peanut M&M's.
-
Hi I’m Sophia! I started working at the Candy Dish in February of 2021 and have been working as a sales associate ever since. I’m going into my junior year at Stonehill College where I am studying Communications with a Business minor. I’ve been competitively dancing for 10 years and am the captain on the Stonehill College Dance Team.
Favorite Candy Dish chocolate: Caramellows or dark chocolate salted caramels!
-
Ava is a Sophomore at UCONN and has worked here for 4 years. She loves to curate the perfect gifts for customers.
In her free time, she loves to spend time with her family and friends, cuddling with her pets and shopping, especially at Target and course, Starbucks. PS- She might have a "fun cup" addiction.
Her favorite things in the store are the Farm and Sea candles.
-
Sophia is a Sophomore at North Andover High School. As a freshman she made the Varsity Basketball Team. She also started Track and Field for the first time and helped to break the school record in April 2024 for the girl shuttle hurdles. Sophia also plays Soccer for NAHS along with AAU Basketball. In her downtime she likes to go shopping, draw and read. Her favorite DiMinico’s treats are the Caramel Apples and the Milk Toffee Bark.
-
Nicole has always had a passion for all things culinary, starting in college, while studying hospitality, some of her favorite classes were cooking and wine tasting. Prior to joining the candy dish, Nicole owned a successful custom cake shop. Being creative and working with food has always been something she’s enjoyed. Working with chocolate has been a new and exciting experience.
Nicole lives in North Andover with her husband Tommy and their 2 teenage daughters, Marisa and Melanie. She can often be found at the softball field or a gymnastics meet cheering them on. The family loves traveling together, most recently exploring Italy on a summer vacation and they can’t wait to go back!
-
Hi! I’m Emma! I started working at DiMinico’s at the in May 2026! I am going into my sophomore year at Boston University where I will be studying Advertising. I danced all throughout high school, and have continued that journey through dance clubs in college! My favorite DiMinico’s item is the potato chip bark.