Dylan Lauren
– Founder of Dylan’s Candy Bar
Experiences of Great Innovators: Dylan Lauren created artwork for candy hobby, started the world’s largest candy store
“In 2009, the first complete candy store in 15,000 square feet was started in New York”
Dylan Lauren is the founder of Dylan’s Candy Bar. Her candy store is the largest in the world. She is the daughter of reputed fashion designer Ralph Lauren. In 2001, she started this store. In this store in New York, you get every kind of candy. Along with this Dylan has made it like a Lifestyle brand where T-shirt, Jewellery, Hats, Gift Basket, Pillows, Spa products of candy theme are also available. There is also Lauren Author. She has written a book – Unwrap Your Sweet Life. This book inspires people to celebrate special occasions with candy.
“Dylan’s candy is available in 7000 different and world-wide candies”
Dylan’s father Ralph Lauren is among the world’s top billionaires, but for Dylan, This trip was not so easy. Success is not found overnight. She says that I am being a candy girl for a lifetime. I loved candy since childhood but when I grew up I started searching for candy from around the world. I loved the packaging, shape, color and textures opportunity. Studied it, I even collect it. There was a lot of candy in my closet. I used it in artwork. I wanted to start the world’s largest candy store. However, when I told people that I was starting a candy store in 15000 Square feet, there were people’s reactions – would you keep in such a big place? I always wanted to be successful, but the success was not the only number of sales numbers for me. However I wanted this requirement that people would like this place. I was also worried about the figure, but if I did not care much about it, I could not enjoy the creative part of it too much. Prior to starting the store, Dylan saw the whole world and there candy creations. Today their stores have opened at other locations including Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami and East Hampton. Luxurious boutiques, large department stores and hotels have a Dylan’s made product. She made artwork of candy and made it the medium of business and success. She says that I was interested in art. My whole family is artistic. My brother is a filmmaker. Grandfather was a Painter. In this way art is in my blood. If I want to give someone a gift then I am giving candy artwork. This artwork is a mosaic made of gum bottles, either collage made of candy wrappers. She thought that I can start art galleries, in which I can present my work. This idea went forward and turned into a candy store where we sell such candies that are artistic. We wanted to create an entertainment destination that is a mix of fashion, art and pop culture. That’s why we have candy gowns and artists for candy arts, so this candy store is not for kids only. This is the Gallery which is for everyone. Together these have made the brand successful. Dylan’s Candy Bar gets more than 7000 products. The first flagship store, which started in New York, has become a tourist spot, which is visit to 2 million people every year. The first concept was designed for the store in 1999, it was a place conceived where events and parties can be held and candy theme art can also be presented. Selling candy was the last part of the concept. Dylan says that I just wanted to look at her beauty.
