Taste of Candy isn’t your typical gift shop. 

Located in Galesburg, Illinois, owner Candy Webb created a boutique that specializes in curated self-care items, handcrafted teas, unique gifts, and locally made products. 

Inspired by cherished memories and a flair for thoughtful gifting, she built the shop as a love letter to her own passions, blending personal storytelling, community spirit, and warm hospitality. 

Read on to learn seven tips she used to turn a hobby into a business and how you can too. 

1. The Genesis of a Passion Project

Candy described her store best: “This isn’t a career for me… this is a hobby gone crazy.” 

Her love for gifting traces back to childhood trips with her father to a favorite New York candy shop. It was those sweet memories that inspired her to recreate that delight for others through her store, resulting in an emotional spark that became the soul of her brand.

If you’re starting a hobby business, start with a feeling. Why does your craft make you happy? Translate that into the experience you want your customers to have. The more meaning your business holds for you, the more meaning it will hold for them.

2. Personal Connection as a Product Strategy

Everything at Taste of Candy is handpicked by Candy herself. She only sells what she personally enjoys or would give to a loved one. That level of intentionality creates a curated, heartfelt shopping experience. Her focus on self-care and gifting makes the store feel like an extension of her personality.

When setting up a hobby business, make your offerings personal and unique. Stock items that reflect your taste and values. People crave authenticity, and your unique perspective sets you apart, so let your passion guide your product selection.

3. From Small Scale to Storefront

Candy’s journey began with handmade teas and canned goods at local farmers’ markets. Using only her phone and a Square card reader, she made her first sales with ease. As her following grew, so did her business tools and ambitions. Eventually, her hobby evolved into a brick-and-mortar store. 

For retailers just starting out, Candy’s approach offers simple yet powerful takeaways. Use these tips to be successful in your own right:

• Start small at markets or pop-ups to test your concept. Farmers’ markets, community events, and local pop-ups will give you real-time feedback without high overhead. You’ll learn what sells, what doesn’t, and what truly lights you up.
• Sell only what you truly love to keep your brand authentic. Passion is contagious. If you wouldn’t buy it, don’t expect others to. Start out selling products you believe in.
• Use simple tools like Square or Shopify to streamline sales. You don’t need a full tech stack to get started. Mobile card readers, easy e-commerce platforms, and free social media pages can take you farther than you think.
• Build slowly and intentionally, letting customer feedback shape your growth. Growth is not a race. Take your time, listen to your customers, and evolve with purpose. The right pace allows you to cultivate a brand that embodies both your values and vision.

Following these tips will help you establish a loyal customer base before expanding your retail business. 

4. Crafting the Dream Store

Candy dreamed of this store long before it opened; she even sketched it on paper 25 years ago. Today, that vision has come to life. Customers can wander or beeline to their favorites, all while feeling at home. The layout is thoughtful, whimsical, and uniquely hers, with every detail reflecting her original dream.

If you’re starting a retail hobby business, visualize your end goal early. Use sketches, mood boards, or even Pinterest to map it out. Let those visuals inspire everything from layout to branding. It’s easier to build when you know what you’re aiming for.

5. Fulfillment Beyond Financial Gain

Candy’s version of success isn’t tied to profits. It’s about making people feel good and offering a moment of comfort or joy. She finds fulfillment in helping others, something she rarely experienced in her “suit and tie” corporate past. For her, retail is about connection. That mindset keeps her passion alive.

When turning a hobby into a business, define success on your terms. It could be impact, rather than income. Reflect on your original motivation and build your business around that purpose. Use these ways to add meaning to your work and impact for your customers:

• Offer gift wrapping to make purchases feel more thoughtful and special. A simple ribbon or branded wrapping paper can transform a transaction into a memory. It adds an element of care that customers remember and talk about.
• Include personal notes with online orders to foster connection. A handwritten thank-you or a quick “We appreciate you!” goes a long way. In a digital world, that personal touch feels rare and deeply appreciated.
• Create a “give-back” shelf where proceeds support a local cause. Choose one product line or display area that gives back. Whether it’s $1 per sale or a percentage of proceeds, customers feel good when their purchase has a purpose.
• Host donation-based community events that reflect your values. Use poetry nights or activities like plant swaps to invite your community in without requiring a big spend. Doing so builds goodwill and brings your brand to life in real-time.

Remember that passion with purpose is a powerful combo, and when you implement both well, customers are more likely to flock to you and follow you. 

6. Building Community and Paying it Forward

Candy actively supports local artists and artisans by selling their work in her shop. She offers shelf space at a reduced commission to give others a break, just like she was once given. It’s her way of paying it forward and building a creative network. This generosity has made her store a hub for local talent. 

If you’re setting up a retail hobby business, consider how you can uplift others along the way. Partner with local creators or nonprofits. Your business can be a platform that builds your community because you are making space for others to succeed.

7. Practical Advice for Hobby-Turned-Retail Business Owners

Candy’s top tips for new business owners are rooted in real experience. She emphasizes the importance of researching foot traffic and selecting a location carefully. A strong website is also essential, and diversifying your revenue streams will protect your bottom line. 

For those starting a hobby business, treat it like a business from day one. Plan your marketing, build your digital presence, and track your key metrics. Passion fuels your idea, but strategy keeps it sustainable. Having the proper foundation will make all the difference in your success.

Conclusion

Taste of Candy shows what’s possible when passion meets hustle. Candy Webb transformed her hobby into a community-focused retail haven. Her story demonstrates that turning a hobby into a retail business can be a joyful, purposeful, and enriching experience. 

With vision, values, and a bit of courage, anyone can do the same. So, dust off that dream and start building.

We Are Retail is committed to highlighting Illinois’ diverse and dynamic retailers. If you loved learning about the story of Taste of Candy and know a retailer who deserves recognition, Nominate A Retailer!