From Their Hands to Yours
Stories from the Market
From Angola to New Hampshire: The Sweet Journey of Sophie’s Apples
The days are counting down — Christmas is less than two weeks away! We’ve loved creating a warm, welcoming Market experience as you navigate this busy season.
Holiday cards have been sent. Menus are planned. Wrapping paper, ribbon and tape are ready for the biggest and most meaningful gifts. Now is also the perfect time to think about those small-but-special tokens for the people who keep your days running smoothly — teachers, hairdressers, babysitters, daycare and home-care workers — the helpers who lighten our daily load.
One sweet idea: give them one of Sophie’s Apples.
In many cultures, apples are a simple, heartfelt gesture of goodwill during the holidays. They’re timeless in winter décor, centerpieces and recipes because they store well and bring a welcome source of fiber and energy during the colder months.
Sophie’s Apples offers a handheld, sweet-and-crunchy treat that sparks holiday joy. Whether you gravitate toward caramel-and-chocolate coated apples or the classic glossy red candy apple, it’s hard not to smile as you pass Tina Lemieux’s table at the Market. Her decorative toppings add an extra layer of fun and flavor.
Tina came to America 25 years ago from her beloved Angola and has made a wonderful life here in New Hampshire with her husband and daughter. We sat down with her — one of our “sweetest” new vendors — for a quick chat.
Q&A with Tina of Sophie’s Apples
What put you on the path to making candy-covered apples?
Growing up here, I fell in love with red candy apples. When my daughter turned one, I wanted a sweet pink theme for her party, so I made small, candied apples in a pretty pink coating with gold leaf. Everyone loved them and encouraged me to start a business.
I began researching how to sell more widely and started with Etsy. I chose large Granny Smith apples because other varieties were too sweet with my sugar toppings — the tartness balances everything. But I also make custom apple varieties if requested.
People started buying almost immediately. I began with traditional red candy apples and my favorite — caramel — and gradually added toppings like chocolate, Oreos, pecans, sprinkles and M&Ms.
How did you discover farmers markets?
About a year in, someone invited me to vend at an event in Lowell. That’s where I learned all about our local farmers markets. I started in Billerica, then friends told me about Tewksbury. That’s where I met Kevin from KRM Chocolates and Catherine and Greg from Shaken Not Stirred, who encouraged me to apply to the Salem NH Farmers Market — and here I am!
Why is your business called Sophie’s Apples?
It’s named after my beautiful daughter Sophie, who turned seven in May. She loves my apples — especially anything with sprinkles. She’ll eat the sprinkles and chewy coating first and then hand me the apple! (laughs)
Why coat caramel with chocolate?
Caramel is my favorite topping, hands down, but adding a chocolate layer helps the toppings stay put much better.
Your apples get very creative …
I love that the red candy coating is chewy and crunchy at the same time. I can also create different colors, flavors and themes for birthdays, weddings, graduations, sports gatherings, New Year’s celebrations — pretty much any event. And I’ll customize apple varieties if someone asks.
Have you sold at other events? Any on the horizon?
I try to stay open to all opportunities. I’ve done the Salem MA Festival in both 2024 and 2025 — we were SO busy! I’m hoping to sell at the Great Renaissance Fair in May 2026 and would love to see some familiar faces there.
What’s the dream?
To open my own store someday and expand into catering.
Your personal favorite apple?
(laughs) Easy — caramel and chocolate coated, covered in toasted coconut.
And your favorite helper?
My husband Devon. He folds boxes, comes to the Market with me, and supports me every step of the way. I feel so blessed.
Stop by Tina’s table, say hello and taste the love she puts into every apple — each inspired by the daughter who started it all.
Visit Sophie’s Apples website to explore flavors, custom options and more.