Graduates from OSU Institute of Technology recently opened Twisted Confections, a new cupcake and candy shop in downtown Okmulgee.

Owners, Melanie Miller and Jason Moore both attended and graduated from the Photography program at OSUIT in fall of 2019. Their son, Tyler Graham, graduated from the Culinary program in spring of 2018.  

Located at 216 E. 6th Street, immediately east of Daddy B's, this unique shop gets its name from the unique flavor twists and concepts it uses in the menu's weekly offerings.

"We don't do anything normal," said Melanie. "We twist flavors and foods around, like adding alcohol-infused flavor profiles to our cupcakes."

This is not your typical cupcake shop with traditional chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry. The flavors change each week on Tuesday and feature items like white chocolate espresso, coconut lime, and cotton candy. They also offer brownies, cereal bars, macaroons, a few novelty food items and their signature jalapeno lemonade. 

This fall they plan to debut new options including grilled cheese spaghetti, high-quality pastrami sandwiches and peanut butter and bacon sandwiches. Coffee should be on the menu soon, too.

Before OSUIT, Melanie had always wanted to be a lawyer but later changed her mind after having children. Jason always knew a career in the military was a priority, but cooking was a passion that he wanted to pursue. After seeing their own children attend and graduate from OSUIT, they knew it was the right time to pursue a dream of their own.

"OSUIT makes sense," said Jason. "It's a hands-on college with the book work you need to succeed."

Twisted Confections is phase one of their overall plans for the future, with a bed and breakfast in sight down the road.

Melanie and Jason are not only providing sweet treats to the community at the shop, they are also finding ways to become involved in the community and helping support other local organizations and businesses.

"We want this business to be a fun and happy place for all ages, no matter what kind of day you're having," said Melanie. "We want everyone to leave with a smile."

Twisted Confections is open Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and closed Sunday and Monday to plan new flavors for the week.