From homemade fudge in a family kitchen to a colourful High Street shop, two Andover sisters are celebrating a remarkable journey with a day of retro treats, games and fundraising for a local football charity.
An independent sweet shop that has become a colourful addition to Andover town centre is preparing to celebrate its first anniversary with a nostalgic trip back to the 1990s.
Go Fudge Yo’Self, run by Andover-born sisters Laurien Griffiths and Ashlyn Edwards, will mark one year at its town centre premises with a special birthday party on Saturday 24 October, from 10am until 5pm.
The celebration promises everything from old-school cakes and retro drinks to party games, a photo booth, music and a charity raffle, as the sisters thank the community for supporting their growing family business.
Located at 49 High Street, next to CEX and EE, the shop officially opened its doors on 25 October 2025, transforming a former charity shop into a bright and welcoming destination for fudge lovers and sweet-toothed shoppers.
A year later, the sisters are inviting customers, families and fellow local businesses to join them for what they promise will be a lively celebration.
From a kitchen hobby to a High Street success story
The story behind Go Fudge Yo’Self began in 2024 when Ashlyn went on maternity leave following the birth of her daughter.
What started as Laurien’s passion for making homemade fudge soon developed into a business opportunity, with the sisters deciding to turn their hobby into something more ambitious.
After completing food safety and allergen awareness training, registering with the local authority and achieving a five-star food hygiene rating, the pair officially launched their business on social media in May 2024.
Their handmade fudge quickly attracted attention, helping the business grow from a home-based operation into its first dedicated premises at Basepoint in Andover.
However, the sisters soon found themselves needing more space.
By October 2025, they had taken the next major step, moving into the heart of Andover town centre and opening a permanent retail shop in the Chantry Centre.
Speaking ahead of the original opening, Laurien described the experience as surreal.
“We didn’t realise how big it was going to get,” she said at the time.
“It’s been surreal going from making fudge at home to opening our own shop in town – but we’re more than ready to show people what we can do.”
The shop was officially opened by local councillors Iris Andersen and Jan Budzynski, with the business receiving praise for bringing something different to the High Street.
More than just fudge
Although homemade fudge remains at the heart of the business, Go Fudge Yo’Self has developed into a destination offering a wide range of sweet treats.
Customers can choose from numerous fudge flavours, including favourites such as Cherry Bakewell and Lemon Meringue, alongside brownies, cookies, cookie pies, cheesecakes, milkshakes and personalised gifts.
The shop also boasts an extensive pick ‘n’ mix selection, with traditional sweets and modern favourites displayed in jars, providing a nostalgic experience for customers of all ages.
The business has continued to expand its offering, with products available for nationwide delivery and sweet treats supplied for weddings, celebrations and other events.
Its popularity has extended beyond Andover, with customers travelling from Southampton and Salisbury to visit the shop.
Earlier this year, the business also benefited from a £999 grant through Test Valley Borough Council’s town centre frontage scheme, helping the sisters install new signage at their premises.
The investment formed part of wider efforts to support independent retailers and improve the appearance of Andover’s shopping areas.
Back to the 90s for a birthday celebration
To mark their first year on the High Street, Laurien and Ashlyn have decided to take customers back to the decade of school discos, colourful sweets and childhood party games.
Visitors are encouraged to dress in their best 1990s-inspired outfits, with the shop embracing a retro theme throughout the day.
Traditional school dinner favourites will feature prominently, including school cake and chocolate concrete, alongside a selection of other nostalgic bakes.
There will also be retro drinks, including floats, while customers can pick up old-fashioned paper bags of pick ‘n’ mix for just 50p or £1.
The entertainment will include music, a photo booth and a variety of traditional party games.
Customers will have the opportunity to play pass the parcel following their purchases, while a guess-the-sweets-in-the-jar competition will add another element of fun.
The sisters have promised a day full of personality, describing the celebrations as being just like them: “CHAOTIC AND FUN!”
Supporting Kickstart FC
The anniversary will also provide an opportunity for Go Fudge Yo’Self to give something back to the community.
A raffle and tombola will take place throughout the day, with proceeds being donated to local football organisation Kickstart FC.
Michael from Kickstart FC is also expected to attend and join in the celebrations.
The fundraising element reflects the sisters’ commitment to supporting other organisations in the area, something that has been part of their approach to business since their early days.
Go Fudge Yo’Self has previously been involved in local events, collaborations and charitable activities, building relationships within Andover’s independent business community.
A family business with the community at its heart
Despite the growth of the business, Go Fudge Yo’Self remains very much a family operation.
The sisters have previously spoken about the importance of their husbands, who help behind the scenes and look after the children while the pair are busy producing fudge and serving customers.
Their journey has demonstrated how a small idea, determination and strong local support can help an independent business establish itself in the town centre.
The sisters have also recently shared news of Laurien, known as Loz, appearing on the front page of the Andover Rag, showcasing some of her artwork.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, photographs of the artwork collected so far are expected to be displayed on a television inside the shop from Saturday.
For Laurien and Ashlyn, the anniversary represents more than simply reaching a business milestone. It marks another chapter in a journey that began with homemade fudge and has grown into a recognisable local brand.
With a year on Andover High Street now behind them, Saturday’s celebration is an opportunity to thank the customers who have helped make that journey possible.
And with retro sweets, school cakes, party games and plenty of fudge on offer, the sisters are hoping the town will turn out to celebrate in style.
Anniversary event details
Saturday 24 October 2026
10am – 5pm
Go Fudge Yo’Self, Unit 49 High Street, Chantry Centre, Andover, SP10 1LP
Residents are encouraged to pop along, enjoy the celebrations and support both a local independent business and a community football organisation.