Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Smith.
Melissa, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
After 25+ years working in advertising sales at Time Inc and Conde Nast, I needed a change a big change. Living in Malibu and raising two children, it made perfect sense to open a small, local and visitor friendly old time candy shop.
Basically, I wanted to create a place where people can come and be transported to a fun, friendly slice of happiness filled with all the sweets one could imagine.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth as fresh taffy! Ha, not even a little. Coming from Corporate America, I had no idea whatsoever what I was doing, I built out the magical space, found unique things to sell, marketed, got licensed and did countless other things that I probably can’t even remember all on my own.
Well, I did have the help of some amazing, loyal, friends who stuck with me through it all and got me over the finish line. (and continue to daily).
SweetBu Candy – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We have nostalgic/old fashion candy alongside vegan, organic specialty chocolate, British favorites and absolutely everything in between. We also carry beach related gifts and candy themed toys for kids, We create goodie bags for parties, candy “bar” catering for events and custom gift baskets (In beach pails).
Known for the “Candy Credit” wall where local kids have an account and can come shop without a wallet. It’s basically a prepaid gift card, but instead of having to bring the card into the store, their name is posted in chalk on the board with the amount they have to spend.
Kids and adults walk into the store and say things like “Wow, this place is amazing, its the best candy store in the world” That makes me really happy.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Opening day, when the store was so full of smiling, happy that people I could not see the floor!
Contact Info:
- Address: 30745 Pacific Coast Highway #13 Malibu, Ca 90265
- Website: sweetbu.com
- Phone: 1.866.3SWEETBU
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @sweetbuandy
- Facebook: SweetBu Candy
- Twitter: SweetBu Candy
- Yelp: SweetBu Candy
- Other: SweetBu Candy
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
