Crystal Brown, a Baltimore native, always knew she wanted to own a boutique. Frequently in the neighborhood, Brown had noticed that there didn't seem to be anywhere for people to go if they just wanted to grab a soda or a quick snack. So, when the barbershop at 830 E. Baltimore Street closed its doors, she knew just what to do with the somewhat abbreviated space.
"I knew I wanted a boutique, but I never envisioned that it would be a candy boutique. I knew there where places where you could get a cheesesteak, but no where to get a snack or anything fun. When the barbershop moved out I said wow this space is very compact. I knew the places I took my kids to the candy store and when used to go the corner store for candy," she recalls.
Brown's first concept for
Sugarush Candy Boutique was a bulk candy store, but state health restrictions convinced her that a less complicated approach with penny candies and other tried and true favorites was the way to go.
"Everybody loves candy. I was thinking about a business that would be recession proof and if you look at the numbers, candy and alcohol soar through the recession. Everyone is really excited, especially about the penny candy. They're like 'wow, its really a penny!'"
In addition to penny candies such as Fruities, Tootsie Rolls, Double Bubble and Albert's Chews, Brown says she tries to respond quickly to customer requests.
"Whether it be penny candy or something else, like I try to change up the kind of iced tea I carry, I'm trying to get a feel for what people like. [Customers] come in and ask if I carry a candy, if I don't I tell them I'll order it and I'll call them and they'll say 'I'm on the way!'"
The boutique also offers candy bouquets and baskets. Customers can order them custom made or purchase pre-made baskets and bouquets for holidays, baby showers, weddings and other occasions.
Candy, however, was not the focus of a fundraiser Brown organized last Saturday -- Haiti was. With the help of other local businesses, her high school alma mater, Carver, and others, Brown helped raise more than $1000 selling t-shirts, candy bouquets and other items that benefits the Maryland Red Cross and its efforts in Haiti.
"It was great, how much support we received. Everybody pitched in to make it a big success for Haiti. It was a little community event and people came down to support Haiti," she says.
Going forward, Brown hopes to add gourmet candies from small candymakers and also to expand her merchandise to suit customer requests.
Source: Crystal Brown, Sugarush Candy Boutique
Writer: Walaika Haskins