CanvasRebel: Meet Daphne Subar
Meet Daphne Subar
Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Daphne Subar. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Daphne , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
For 26 years, I built a successful career as an attorney—a path that was stable, structured, and intellectually challenging. Yet, despite my accomplishments, something was missing. Baking had always been my creative outlet, a passion that brought me joy. But the idea of turning that passion into a business? That felt like a distant dream. Still, the thought lingered, nudging me toward a future I hadn’t yet dared to imagine.
The turning point came when my three daughters challenged me to follow my passion. Their belief in me gave me the push I needed, but walking away from a well-established career to start a business—especially in an industry I knew little about—was terrifying. I wasn’t just changing jobs; I was stepping into the unknown, leaving behind everything familiar to navigate a world of entrepreneurship, branding, and operations. I had no formal business training, no background in the food industry, and no guarantee of success. But I did have a vision: to create a unique, handcrafted baked good—Subarz—that blended the crunch of biscotti with the softness of a cookie.
The early days were filled with uncertainty. I had to learn everything from scratch—packaging, licensing, production, marketing, and sales. There were moments of doubt when I questioned whether I had made the right decision. Yet, with every challenge, I grew more determined. I reached out to mentors, immersed myself in learning, and embraced the trial-and-error process. Slowly, the business gained traction, and I found my footing as an entrepreneur.
The risk paid off in ways I could never have predicted. Subarzsweets has grown into a thriving business, specializing in corporate and personal gifting. We’ve partnered with companies of all sizes, and built relationships with loyal customers who appreciate our handcrafted approach. More importantly, I’ve discovered a new sense of fulfillment—not just in creating a product I love, but in building something from the ground up and proving to myself that reinvention is always possible.
Looking back, stepping away from law was one of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken, but it was also the most rewarding. It reaffirmed that sometimes, the greatest opportunities come from daring to take the leap, even when the path ahead is uncertain. Subarzsweets is more than a business to me—it’s proof that following your passion, no matter when in life, can lead to something truly extraordinary.
Daphne , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
For those who don’t know me, I’m Daphne Subar, the founder of Subarzsweets, a specialty gifting company that creates unique, handcrafted treats designed to make a lasting impression. I started my business with a simple yet powerful idea: gifting should be intentional, meaningful, and seamless.
At Subarzsweets, we specialize in corporate and client gifting, offering a curated selection of artisan baked goods that are both delicious and distinctive. What sets us apart is our attention to detail—from the quality of our handcrafted Subarz to the handwritten notes included with every gift. We believe that a thoughtful gift can strengthen relationships, enhance brand loyalty, and make someone feel truly valued.
Our signature product, Subarz, is a cross between a crunchy biscotti and a soft cookie, blending the best of both textures in a treat that’s unlike anything else. With over 20 varieties, including gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free options, we ensure that everyone can enjoy our baked goods. We ship nationwide, and because Subarz require no refrigeration, they are a perfect, worry-free option for gifting.
One of the biggest challenges in corporate gifting is finding something that feels personal and memorable. Too often, businesses default to generic gift baskets that lack warmth and intention. We solve this problem by working directly with our clients to create gifts that reflect their brand, message, and relationships. Whether it’s a law firm thanking clients, a financial services company recognizing employees, or an executive sending a holiday gift, we make the process effortless and impactful.
Beyond the product itself, I’m most proud of the relationships we’ve built through gifting. I love hearing from clients who say their recipients still talk about their Subarz months later. That tells me we’re not just selling baked goods—we’re helping people create moments of connection and appreciation.
Subarzsweets is about more than just business for me; it’s about bringing joy through thoughtful gestures. I want potential clients and followers to know that when they choose Subarzsweets, they’re choosing more than a delicious treat—they’re choosing a gifting experience that is intentional, heartfelt, and memorable.
If you’re looking for a way to make a meaningful impact with your gifting, I invite you to experience Subarz. Because in a world where so much feels impersonal, a thoughtful gift can make all the difference.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
From the very beginning, we knew that authenticity would be at the core of our social media strategy. We’ve never paid for followers or engagement; instead, we’ve grown our community organically by sharing content that truly connects with people. Whether it’s showcasing our handcrafted Subarz, highlighting corporate gifting success stories, or giving a behind-the-scenes look at our baking process, we focus on creating posts that feel personal and engaging.
Over time, we’ve learned that variety is key. We mix product-focused posts with behind-the-scenes glimpses, customer testimonials, and holiday or seasonal themes to keep our content fresh. Most recently, we’ve leaned into video content and more personal storytelling—sharing the journey of building Subarzsweets, the challenges and triumphs along the way, and the moments that inspire us. These posts seem to resonate the most, as people love seeing the human side of the business and the passion that goes into every gift we create.
Social media has not only helped us build brand awareness but has also strengthened our relationships with clients and followers. We love engaging with our audience through comments, direct messages, and even reposting customer photos. This two-way interaction has helped us foster a loyal community that continues to support and spread the word about Subarzsweets.
By staying true to our brand values and focusing on meaningful connections rather than numbers, we’ve been able to build a following that genuinely cares about what we do. We believe that social media isn’t just about selling—it’s about storytelling, connection, and sharing the joy that comes with gifting something truly special.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Our reputation as an outstanding gifting business has been built on three key pillars: our unique product, our commitment to exceptional customer service, and our dedication to making gifting intentional and meaningful again. Subarz isn’t just another baked good—it’s a distinctive fusion of biscotti and a cookie, handcrafted with care, and designed to be a memorable and delightful gift. Our variety of flavors, including gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free options, ensures that everyone can enjoy a thoughtful treat, making our gifts inclusive and versatile.
Beyond our product, we’ve prioritized customer service from day one. We work closely with our clients—whether they’re individuals or corporations—to ensure that every gift is not only beautifully packaged but also personal. Each order includes a handwritten note, reinforcing the idea that a gift should feel special and heartfelt. We understand that gifting isn’t just about the item itself; it’s about the message it conveys, the relationship it strengthens, and the impression it leaves.
What truly sets us apart is our belief that gifting should be meaningful. In a world where gifts can sometimes feel transactional, we strive to bring back the joy and significance of thoughtful giving. We help our clients choose the right gifts for their employees, clients, and loved ones, ensuring that their gesture of appreciation is remembered long after the last bite. This attention to detail and genuine care have helped us earn the trust and loyalty of our customers, solidifying our reputation in the market.
As a result, word-of-mouth referrals and repeat business have been instrumental in our growth. Our clients don’t just send Subarz once—they come back because they know they can rely on us for a high-quality, seamless gifting experience. That trust and connection with our customers have been the foundation of our reputation and success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.subarzsweets.com
- Instagram: @subarz
- Facebook: @subarzsweets.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/subarzsweets-llc/?viewAsMember=true
Image Credits
LynneLainer Photograph, MaryEllenBaker Photography, Ariela Subar Photograph, BernadetteMarciniak Photograph