Meet Michelle Duckett, this week’s #PeopleOfWilmDE, who balances a full-time role as a Director at BAYADA Home Health Care with running her business, Savor The Moment – a mobile treat truck serving communities across Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Wilmington Connection
How long have you lived/worked in Wilmington?
I’ve lived and worked in Wilmington for almost 15 years.
Where did you grow up, go to school, have your first job, etc.?
I grew up in Wallingford, PA, in Delaware County. After high school, I attended West Chester University, where I earned both my undergraduate and graduate degrees. After completing my MPH, I moved to Wilmington to begin my career with Bayada and have been proud to call the city home ever since!
In 2022, I took the leap and launched Savor The Moment, Delaware’s first mobile treat truck. We offer a selection of candy, snacks, and hot fast-casual food at local events, filling a gap in the market for a mobile treat experience for private events. My goal was to bring something unique to the community and build stronger connections with the people of Wilmington. It’s been an exciting journey, and I’m incredibly grateful for the amazing connections I’ve made along the way!
Why do you continue to choose Wilmington to work in/live in?
My first job after college was on the Wilmington Riverfront, and I instantly fell in love with the area. From the amazing restaurants to the walkable sights and hidden gems throughout the city, Wilmington quickly became a place I enjoyed exploring and getting to know.
How has being in Wilmington helped you be where you are today professionally and personally?
Being in Wilmington has been instrumental to the success of my business, Savor The Moment. The city’s supportive community and wealth of resources have provided the perfect environment to launch and grow. From local networking events to the guidance of knowledgeable professionals, I’ve felt empowered every step of the way. Wilmington’s vibrant atmosphere and strong sense of community have helped me build meaningful connections and a loyal customer base. I’m proud to grow my business here and excited for what the future holds in this amazing city.
Wilmington Favorites
Favorite Wilmington attraction/event and why:
One of my favorite places in Wilmington is the Riverfront. I love the variety it offers – scenic walking paths along the Delaware River, Riverwalk Mini Golf, Constitution Yards, Penn Cinema, and more. It’s the perfect blend of fun and relaxation. Whether I’m out for a sunny stroll to the nature preserve or enjoying live music and great food at Docklands, the Riverfront always delivers a fantastic atmosphere.
Ideal itinerary for a night out in Wilmington/weekend in Wilmington (where to go for drinks, dinner, events, etc.):
I’d kick off the night with drinks at The Quoin Restaurant – it’s such a stylish spot with a great rooftop vibe. Then I’d head to Mikimoto’s for dinner; their sushi is my favorite. I’d wrap up the night at Docklands on the Riverfront for drinks, dancing, and live music – there’s no better place to keep the fun going. On weekends or during my free time, I enjoy unwinding at Brandywine Park or taking a trip to the beach to soak up the sun. It’s the perfect way to relax!
Insights and Future Vision
What are you excited about that’s going on in Wilmington right now?
It’s inspiring to see fellow entrepreneurs opening new storefronts and restaurants, contributing to Wilmington’s diverse dining and retail scene. It’s exciting to watch these businesses grow and thrive, creating new job opportunities and bringing fresh ideas to the area. I love seeing how small businesses become an integral part of the community, offering personalized experiences that big chains just can’t match. It truly makes Wilmington feel like a place where innovation and passion come to life.
How would you like to see our city grow in the next year, the next 5-10 years?
In the coming years, I’m excited to see Wilmington expand its green spaces and recreational areas, which will not only improve the city’s overall health but also provide more opportunities for people to connect with nature. As someone with a public health background, I see this as an important step in promoting healthier lifestyles for residents. I also hope to see continued efforts toward sustainable development and increased support for small businesses, with resources that help entrepreneurs thrive and create jobs within the community. The Wilmington 2028 Comprehensive Plan is a great step forward, and it’s encouraging to think about a future that focuses on both environmental resilience and equitable growth.
What advice would you like to give people living and working in Wilmington?
Embrace the rich history and culture that Wilmington offers. Participate in local events, explore our diverse neighborhoods, and support community initiatives. Staying informed about city planning efforts, such as the Wilmington 2028 Comprehensive Plan, can provide insight into our collective goals and how we can contribute to shaping our city’s future. By engaging in our community and advocating for positive change, we can all play a role in making Wilmington an even better place to live and work.
Personal Reflections
What is one of your proudest moments of being a Wilmingtonian?
Professionally, I’m proud of having the courage to believe in myself and start my small business, Savor The Moment, right here in Wilmington. The support from this city has played a big part in helping the business grow each year. On a personal note, running my first 5K on the Riverfront was a huge achievement and something I’ll always cherish. The Riverfront feels like home to me, so reaching that milestone in a place I love made it even more special.
List of any organizations or volunteer work you have done.
- NACE – DE, PA & NJ Chapter (National Association for Catering and Events)
- Delta Omega Honor Society
- Savor The Moment has actively contributed to various local events, including charity fundraisers and health-focused initiatives, helping raise awareness and support for meaningful causes throughout the Wilmington area.
What are 3 interesting or surprising facts about you?
- I own Savor The Moment, Delaware’s first mobile treat truck, offering a variety of treats at local events.
- I can play both the flute and the viola.
- I’m a huge fan of the Rocky series and can talk about it for hours!
What other stories would you like to share about your life/being a part of our city?
From Wedding Surprise to Sweet Success: The Story of Savor The Moment 🍭
It all started with a wedding… OUR wedding.
After months of planning every detail, my husband and I wanted to end the night with a surprise that would leave our guests smiling long after the last dance. We didn’t want a typical favor or a forgettable thank-you. We wanted something fun. Unexpected. A treat (literally).
So, we dreamed up the idea of a late-night snack truck, packed with our favorite candy and hot foods. Picture this: after hours of dancing, before leaving to go home, our guests turned the corner and lit up when they saw a spread of our favorite candies, snacks, and hot food (pizza is my favorite!) waiting for them. We searched and searched, but this didn’t exist in Delaware for our wedding, and I couldn’t help but think, why isn’t something like this available here? That’s when I dreamed of a new idea: a food truck for candy and food. That moment sparked a fire in me, and just like that, the idea for Savor The Moment was born.
I saw an opportunity to bring this kind of joy and surprise to everyone’s special moments. What started as a fun wedding idea quickly turned into a business plan. We got a truck, curated the ultimate candy and snack menu, and built a brand all about celebration, connection, and sweetness.
Fast forward 3 years, and we’ve served everything from birthday parties to weddings, corporate events to school celebrations. From personalized treat boxes to our signature mobile treat truck, we’ve created an experience focused on bringing smiles and helping people savor special moments with their loved ones.
And now, here comes the full-circle moment…
This April, we’re returning to the same hotel where our wedding dreams (and the very first Savor The Moment idea!) came to life. But this time, we’re not the bride and groom – we’re the business. We’ll be there as a vendor, sharing sweet moments with new faces, and reliving the moment that started it all. Talk about full circle, right?
Here’s to turning sweet dreams into lasting memories, wedding surprises into successful businesses, and one special moment into a movement. Thanks to the amazing support from the Wilmington community, Savor The Moment has blossomed into something truly special. Wilmington’s vibrant atmosphere and incredible local connections have helped turn our vision into reality, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the sweet success we’ve found here!
