INSPIRATION
If you or someone you know grew up in a tight-knit urban neighborhood, it is not uncommon to have the candy lady live nearby. Most of the time she lives just a few houses down the block, around the corner, across the street and if you’re lucky like I was… She’s your grandma. In city and rural areas food deserts are a real thing. The grocery stores are often miles away from home and the
local convenient stores are not safe or the prices are just ridiculous. The Candy Lady is the most positive alternative and experience for children in the neighborhood to get a snack and depending on the Candy Lady, sometimes a meal. The Candy Lady is the ultimate hustler. She has all sorts of candies from chocolates to taffies; pickles, potato chips, sodas, cookies, cakes and pies. You could never go to the Candy Lady’s house and leave empty handed… It was impossible! She had all of your favorite snacks! A good business woman knows her customers. My Grandma saw being the Candy Lady as a way to make the best out of a bad situation. She was able to make a little extra cash and watch out for the kids around her. She was already the most naturing and welcoming woman you’d ever meet, so there was no surprise to see that kids often flocked to her home. Plus, parents knew she would watch out for their little ones further building her as pillar in the community. As the world evolves candy ladies are not as popular as they once were, but their spirit, hustle and love for their communities lives on.
