For Angeliqué Taylor, making sweet treats began as a young girl.
Now that childhood hobby has turned into a small business serving treats to people all across Topeka.
Taylor is the owner and baker of AO Nola Praline Candy, which offers a variety of the well-known New Orleans-style caramel and peanut candy.
"I can remember being in the kitchen with two different aunts, making it about 5 or 6 years old," Taylor said. "And I've always made it for family, never really sold it or made it for public."
Aunt was a big encouragement in beginning AO Nola Pralines
Taylor arrived in Topeka after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and she began working at the Topeka Veterans Affairs Medical Center in 2006. She retired last year as a project manager.
Shortly after, Taylor began to sell her pralines.
"I always made it," she said, "and coworkers advised me: 'You're just giving this away. You need to sell it.'"
But the motivation to really begin her business, started with her aunt Sandra J. Victor's love and vision she saw for Taylor's talent of making pralines.
Taylor said Victor motivated her to begin the business long before she began working at the Topeka VA.
"When you're brought up and you're always working for someone else, you're kind of fearful to understand and know what you're capable of doing," Taylor said. "And she always was my encourager, my cheerleader."
Victor died in March 2020. After her death, Victor left one last reminder for Taylor.
"As I was cleaning up her home preparing it to sell, she had a piece of pecan candy that I made for her under her pillow," Taylor said. "That, to me, was her speaking to me from beyond and saying, 'I'm going to get the last word and you need to leave the VA because it's killing you.'"
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Where to buy AO Nola Pralines in Topeka
AO Pralines are now being sold in Hy-Vee, 2951 S.W. Wanamaker Road, in Topeka. They can be found on display at the end of the allergen friendly aisle, across from the seafood department.
Customers can choose from six different flavors, including coconut praline, creamy and nut-free pralines, pecan brittle bars, picante praline and a deluxe that includes pecans, peanut butter, chocolate, pretzel and sprinkles.
Bacon praline treats are also available for your furry friends.
Taylor also sells her pralines at the local farmers market and operates an online website with $5 shipping on orders up to $100 before tax.