Sophie Fischer
Staff Writer
Ingrid Natale, the owner of Miesse Candies, a local business in Lancaster that has been making sweets since 1875, sees her role as not just selling chocolate but also preserving its roots of tradition while making sure the company is ready for the future.
Natale was born in the U.S. but spent her childhood living between Sweden and the states. She has had an interest in old businesses and traditions since she was a child. After earning degrees in economics and business administration at Millersville University, and later a doctorate in business administration from Drexel University, she eventually found her way to Miesse.
She had first bought the trademark for Penn Supreme ice cream, which connected her with Miesse’s former owner, Tracy Artus. When Artus was ready to retire, Natale decided to take over.
“It felt like a natural next step,” she said.
Her education gave her the knowhow on running a business in a way that felt achievable.
“When you’re young, running your own business feels romantic but unrealistic,” Natale explained. “Once you break all of those things down academically, it becomes doable.”
At Miesse, Natale focuses on keeping old traditions while making small updates where needed. Caramels are still cooked over open flames in copper kettles, and local Amish butter is used to deepen the flavor.
“Everything is very old and traditional,” she said.
Natale never compromises that quality of her products with additives or preservatives. With a mix of her European roots and keeping the tradition of simple, and local ingredients where she can incorporate them, Miesse serves the highest quality products. In terms of modernization, she has added updates behind the scenes, like better inventory systems and using eco-friendly packaging when possible.
Natale also led the move to the company’s new location on North Mulberry Street. She had to deal with moving heavy, old equipment and making sure customers knew where to find them at their new home. Now, the shop serves both regular locals and custom corporate orders.
“Our customers aren’t shy about giving feedback,” Natale said with a laugh. “It’s not always easy to hear, but it helps us improve.”
Her employees notice her leadership as well.
“Ingrid really listens, to us and to customers” said Sarah Lopez, a chocolatier who has worked at Miesse for three years. “She makes sure we’re proud of everything we put out.”
Looking ahead, Natale doesn’t plan to expand too quickly. Instead, she wants Miesse to stay rooted in Lancaster while exploring small custom projects and partnerships.
“This is supposed to be a consistent, stable cornerstone for the community,” she said.
For Natale, running Miesse is about more than candy. By combining her business knowledge with a love of tradition, she hopes to make sure Miesse Candies continues to be a part of Lancaster for many years to come.
