Samotria (Sam) Holmes grew up in a family that believed love was best displayed through food, particularly meals made from scratch and with the best ingredients. It established a life philosophy to exude love for people, for the local community, and, similarly, for top-quality local ingredients. Using caramel recipes and baking skills she learned from her grandmother, Holmes put this philosophy into practice with her business Holmes Sweet Home.
Crafting caramel sauce, brittles, and other small-batch confections, Holmes makes gourmet sweets that are available in stores across the country as well as through online ordering. She uses quality ingredients, and many of her products just happen to be free of animal byproducts, gluten, palm oil, and nuts.
Holmes Sweet Home partners extensively with gourmet shops and cafes throughout South Carolina, so the products and the connections stay rooted within her native Palmetto State. Holmes’ support for area businesses makes her products an appealing choice for businesses committed to sourcing from local purveyors.
Jessica Loveland, for example, co-owns Loveland Coffee in Irmo, South Carolina. The business recently expanded from their kiosk location to add a storefront. As part of their expansion, they wanted to add more locally made goods into their shop.
“We’re about community as our core values, so we partner with other businesses as much as we can,” Loveland says. They introduced Holmes Sweet Home into their business with the Sweet Cream Caramel Sauce, using it to flavor the caramel latte and salted caramel mocha on their menu. It can also be added to any drink upon request.
Since incorporating the caramel sauce into their drinks, customers have noted the richer, more flavorful addition it makes to their drinks, says— Loveland. “We strive to offer top-quality ingredients so it’s a win-win for both of us.”
The caramel sauce holds a similar spot of love at Lowcountry Fresh Market and Café in Bluffton, South Carolina. There, the sauce gets used in coffee drinks at the espresso counter (try the caramel macchiato!) and is available for retail along with Holmes’ other products.
As a South Carolina Food Hub, this shop-cafe sources as much as possible within a 250-mile radius. They’re one of two food hubs in the state, the other being Swamp Rabbit in Greenville, South Carolina. In preparation for their opening in 2020, the owners Cindy and Andy Rolfe took a trip to Swamp Rabbit to check out the partner vendors there. New and on display were Holmes Sweet Home products. Cindy left with a bag of Banana Nut Brittle and quickly called Holmes after tasting the treat.
Holmes takes an active interest in the businesses she works with. Shortly after Rolfe initially reached out, Holmes traveled to the store to see the space and meet the owners. She returned for the grand opening and then again for a sampling event of her products. “She’s a great advocate for her product, and she’s hands on and available,” Rolfe says of Holmes. “Customers want to meet the maker and learn the story behind the products."
Keep an eye out when you visit for samples of the Sweet Cream Caramel Sauce with apple slices, or pick up a bag of customer favorite Cinnamon Sugar Pecan Brittle.
Looking for a sweet treat once you get your hand on Holmes Sweet Home’s goodies? Try this easy coffee recipe from Loveland Coffee: Creme Brulee.
