If you’ve ever wished you could turn back the hands of time and be a kid again, you’ll be happy to discover you can—by making a pit stop to Sweet Momma’s Candy Shop a few blocks off of the corner of 95th and Ashland.
To quote a common expression, “you’ll be like a kid in a candy store!”
Here you’ll find dozens upon dozens of gooey delights to suit your sweet tooth.
Indulge in everything from “old school” candy like Mary Janes, Chico Sticks and Bit-O-Honey, to” new school” treats like Now and Later and Laffy Taffy.
And just as sweet as the varied selections, is the disposition of the owner, Darlene Gaston– who treats every customer like a friend.
Open since February 2009, this nurse turned entrepreneur caters to kids and adults of all different races and ages.
Today As Not Seen on T.V. is pleased to give you the scoop on this new addition to the community.
1. Tell us a little about yourself and your background.
I’m a registered nurse, part-time in the evenings. I’ve been in nursing for 29 years. I want to be an asset to the community and to the environment. God has blessed me, so I don’t mind being a blessing to other people.
2. What makes Sweet Momma’s different from other stores that sell candy?
We offer a Christian outlook for the kids. We provide a safe haven for them so they don’t have to get involved with “liquor store clientele.” Also, if a kid comes in and doesn’t have enough money for the purchase, we give them trivia questions so they can earn their candy for the right answers.
3. Where does the name from the shop come from?
Actually the name comes from my mom. She would always carry candy in her purse for the neighborhood kids, who often referred to her as “sweet”.
4. Do you offer any “sugar free” stuff?
No. I had it in the store for the first three months, but then it would expire. I couldn’t even give it away!
5. What’s your favorite candy choice?
Mary Janes!
6. Why a candy store?
I wanted to do something quick and simple that would be an outreach to God’s children.
7. What’s the most popular item you sell?
Of the new school candy it would be Now & Laters; old school would be Turtles and Nut Chews.
8. Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Sweet Momma’s is sponsoring a weekly can drive for my church. We want to feed 500 people for Thanksgiving. If you bring in a canned good, you’ll get free candy or a juice.
Stop by Sweet Momma’s, located at 1632 West 95th (off Ashland) in Chicago, to check out the sweets. Chips, juices, and water are also sold.
Contributor: Jennifer Brown-Banks