Dylan Lauren's Sweet Success

With over 5000 types of candy sold at her eponymous sweets emporiums, Dylan Lauren might be on your child's shortlist as a potential godparent. Following in her dad's (the fashion legend Ralph Lauren) path, Dylan set out in 2001 to create an empire, not by selling preppy ties and expensive cashmere, but by sharing her passion for sugar.

Currently kids can load up on Gummi Bears and Tootsie Rolls at five DCB locations (NYC, Orlando, Houston, Roosevelt Field Mall, and East Hampton) and on online at Dylanscanybar.com. When her flagship New York City location (1011 Third Avenue) finishes it's grand renovations, it is touted to be the world's largest candy store and will include a cafe, party rooms, nostalgia shoppe and more. In addition to folks flocking to her stores, she's been on Oprah and Martha and is certainly on her was to becoming a retail powerhouse. New York's own sugar plum fairy was pretty busy to pin down. But we did trade emails discussing her sweet success.

You've got an art degree from Duke University and strong ties to the fashion industry. Why open a candy shop?

The stores combine all my passions and my background. Dylan's Candy Bar merges art, fashion and pop culture with candy. I see candy as an art form in its sculptural shapes, colors, graphics and packaging design. Plus, we design clothing called Candy Couture: candy-patterned pajamas, t-shirts, and sweat suits. I'm especially proud of our new Candy Toss rain boots (for kids and adults) they'll brighten anyone's rainy day.

Do you have an insatiable sweet tooth?

Yes!!!

What's you're favorite color M&M?

We have over 21 colors of M&M's. My favorite is turquoise, which is not sold in most stores.

Do you have a signature candy at your shops?

Yes. We have designed a ton of original Dylan's Candy Bar products, such as our Spectrum Candy Truffles: a colorful, multiple flavor, chocolate truffles with an American twist (flavors include cola, marshmallow and more). The Sterling Collection offers dark chocolate bars ranging from 50 to 90 percent cocoa. And we've got ice cream in many crazy-yummy flavors like Cookie Mess and Candy Bar Blast.

Who was the better Willy Wonka� Johnny Depp (2005) or Gene Wilder (1971)?

I preferred the original (Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory). That was one of my main inspirations for the design of the stores.

What type of parent do you think you'll be? Permissive or strict when it comes to sweet treats?

I'd be very permissive with sweets as that would be a tease. However, I strongly advocate good nutritious meals, exercise and brushing teeth.

Dylan's Candy Bars are the ultimate birthday spot for kids. What were your birthdays like growing up?

My birthday parties always involved sweets, yummy candy, decorated cakes, colorful decor and some form of entertainment. The Dylan's Candy Bar party has all of this plus candy crafts, candy activities, and candy games. Our parties are not just for little kids but adults too (bridal showers, product launches, etc.).

Any tips for bringing kids down from their sugar highs after a trip to Dylan's?

Plan a visit earlier in the day so kids can exercise off the energy. Also note: Tryptophan (found in milk and turkey) can be calming.

With the expansion of your new Midtown NYC location (set to become the world's largest candy store) you now offer grow-ups the chance to enjoy alcohol-tinged chocolate drinks. After surviving a bash for 3-year-old twins, what will take the edge off?

A Chocolate Martini, Twizzletini...or even just a non-alcoholic ice cream sundae with 30 candy toppings. That would make anyone happy.