Got a itching for some decadent chocolate treats? Not to worry, relief is only around the corner...if you live off of Bedford Avenue, that is.
My Candi opened its doors three years ago on Bellmore’s busiest shopping avenue, offering sweets of almost every type imaginable to area residents.
Owner Dave Mayo recently spoke with Patch about peddling the good stuff (chocolate, of course) to kids, the services his proud establishment offers, and the trials of switching careers in mid-life.
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Tell us about all the delicious things you offer at My Candi.
We’re a gourmet candy shop...we offer gourmet chocolates, gourmet chocolate-covered pretzels, hundreds of different candies, toys, games, head bands, jewelry...all things for the kids.
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Do you offer party services?
We do children’s parties, yes. The parties consist of an arts and crafts project where we decorate the items such as notebooks, clip boards and picture frames with candy labels. We can accommodate up to about 28 kids. In addition, we have food, drinks, games, a big-screen TV, and more for parties.
Why did you decide to open up a candy store? What was your background like beforehand?
I was in the corporate world for about 25 years, and I needed to reinvent myself, and while searching out things to do I found this location and I thought it would be a no-brainer seeing as it was right next to the movie theater. I figured that people would come in here to get candy before the movies. So, I taught myself the business.
Was it a difficult transition, going from the corporate world to the candy world?
Well, the hours are difficult. Going from the corporate world to retail, you don't really get weekends off, so you're working seven days a week...but, I’m working through it. I'm doing okay.
What do you like owning and operating a business in the Bellmore area?
I like servicing the local community. I’m always approached to donate to the local schools and churches and synagogues, which I always like to do. I’ve met a lot of people in the community, and I really enjoy it.
