The Post and Courier
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Take a walk into Mandy Von See’s candy kitchen and you get a whiff of heaven in the form of Southern pralines.
Her pralines, made with Georgia pecans, are one of the top sellers for Von See’s business, the Charleston Candy Co. The shop, at 217 Lucas St. in Mount Pleasant, has been selling its candy in the Charleston area for 30 years.
The fourth-generation Mount Pleasant native went to Wando High School and graduated from Clemson University with a degree in graphic communications in 1999. After graduation, she moved around, living in Dallas, Chicago and Atlanta, and worked for clients such as Coca-Cola and Dr Pepper.
She returned to Mount Pleasant and bought the Charleston Candy Co. from its owners in February 2007.
Von See, 33, said she always has been into cooking and baking, though she never really thought she’d be selling candy as a career.
“I’ve always had a sweet tooth,” Von See said.
After she bought the shop, she decided not only to distribute the candy but also to start making the candy herself. She taught herself through “much trial and error.”
She sells high-end candy to about 60 clients in the area and ships to customers across the nation.
For a while, Von See worked out of her home before purchasing her kitchen space in the Common Courtyard.
With her background in graphic design, Von See was able to create the labeling for her candy. Her products come with ribbons and labels, all of which are produced in her kitchen.
When looking for employees, Von See didn’t have to search very far. Von See’s mother, sister and other members of her family pitch in whenever they can.
“It’s our own project,” Von See said. “We get to do something that makes people happy.”
Some of her other sweet treats include pecan logs, marshmallow pluffs and chocolate pralines.
The store’s signature taffy is sold in a souvenir box. As a nod to her fellow Clemson fans, Von See also makes tiger paws. If you’re a Gamecock fan, you’re out of luck. This candy shop owner promises never to sell Gamecock candy in her store.
Von See creates custom candies for corporate events, baby showers and weddings. She usually has two or three wedding clients per week, she said. She invites bridal parties to her kitchen to taste her candy. After brides select their favorites, Von See customizes the packaging to fit the wedding’s theme.
The candy is available by order, but you can catch the Charleston Candy Co. 3 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the farmers market in Mount Pleasant.
