Claire Kanj’s story is not just about desserts — it is a story of legacy, creativity, and unstoppable determination. Growing up in the UAE, she spent countless hours by her late father’s side, watching him run the first printing press in Ajman. It was not just a business to him — it was a world full of color, detail, and imagination. For Claire, this childhood experience planted the first seeds of her creative spirit.
She recalls watching her father design wedding cards and packaging with passion and precision. The smell of ink, the hum of the machines, and the beauty of seeing an idea turn into a finished product all became a part of her DNA. Today, she credits those precious memories as the foundation of her artistic journey. Looking back, Claire sees a beautiful connection between her father’s craft and her own sweet creations — a full-circle moment that ties past and present together.
A Designer at Heart, an Entrepreneur in Spirit
Before entering the world of desserts, Claire ran her own branding and events agency. Her background in graphic design gave her a unique perspective on building brands, crafting visual identities, and creating customer experiences that truly stand out. In 2022, she took a leap of faith and launched Marsh’n’mallow, a dessert brand unlike any other.
What started as a simple marshmallow gifting idea blossomed into a fully developed gourmet dessert concept. Claire envisioned a niche brand that could not easily be copied. Her goal was to create something original, flavorful, and always bursting with creativity. She does not see herself as a chef; instead, she identifies as an entrepreneur with a clear, bold vision.
From the brand name to packaging, recipes, and even the tiniest design details, every aspect of Marsh’n’mallow is the result of her hands-on effort. Claire built everything from scratch, driven by her desire to bring joy to people’s lives through innovative treats.
Turning Challenges Into Sweet Success
Starting a business is never easy, especially in the highly competitive food and beverage industry. Claire openly shares that the journey has been full of setbacks and learning moments. From building a dependable team to creating structured systems and fine-tuning her products, she has faced it all.
It was not just about making marshmallows; it was about creating a brand that could stand up to retail standards. One of her proudest milestones was winning the Spinneys Incubator Program. This win gave her the opportunity to bring Marsh’n’mallow products to retail shelves, a dream turned into reality through hard work and resilience.
To meet strict food safety and retail requirements, the brand became HACCP certified and developed a full range of shelf-ready products. This achievement not only opened new doors but also validated her belief in the brand’s potential.
Another big move was launching a stall at Depachika Food Hall in Nakheel Mall, one of Dubai’s most premium culinary destinations. This space perfectly matches Marsh’n’mallow’s playful yet sophisticated vibe and connects the brand to food lovers looking for something unique and Instagram-worthy.
Fueled by Family, Passion, and Purpose
Behind every strong woman is a strong support system. For Claire Kanj, her husband, daughter, family, and close friends have been the backbone of her journey. They have cheered her on through every high and every setback, providing constant love and encouragement.
She believes that no idea needs to be perfect to start. The most important thing is self-belief and the willingness to keep pushing forward. Claire Kanj has learned to handle setbacks with grace and to grow from disappointments rather than let them define her.
Her resilience is inspiring to many young entrepreneurs who might feel overwhelmed by the challenges of starting something new. Claire Kanj’s advice is to stay positive, surround yourself with genuine people, and remember why you started.
Building a Legacy, One Marshmallow at a Time
Claire Kanj’s vision does not stop at just creating amazing desserts. She dreams of turning Marsh’n’mallow into a household name — the ultimate destination for gourmet marshmallow desserts in the region and worldwide.
Her long-term goal is to eventually franchise the brand, transforming it into a family business that her daughter can one day take pride in. It is about building something lasting, something meaningful, and something that carries her family legacy forward.
Even as she continues to expand, Claire Kanj remains deeply involved in every part of the business. Whether it is experimenting with new flavors, designing packaging, or planning future collections, she continues to learn and evolve every single day.
Going Viral and Global
Claire is not just building a brand — she is creating a movement. With a strong social media presence on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn, Marsh’n’mallow has attracted a loyal community of dessert lovers and creative souls. Her colorful, playful content sparks joy, helping her spread her sweet message far and wide.
She hopes to be recognized as the Queen of gourmet marshmallow desserts and wants to elevate this niche globally. By combining her design skills, business acumen, and unshakable passion, she is determined to put gourmet marshmallows on the world map.
An Inspiring Role Model
From a young girl mesmerized by her father designing wedding cards to a fearless entrepreneur carving her own path and redefining the dessert culture, she has shown that dreams are possible with hard work and heart.
Her story inspires not just future food entrepreneurs but anyone with a big idea and the courage to chase it. She proves that you do not have to have it all figured out to start — you just need the courage to take that first step and the strength to keep going when things get tough.
Through Marsh’n’mallow, Claire Kanj is building more than a brand — she is building a legacy of joy, creativity, and sweet memories for generations to come.
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