Today, we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Craig.
Hi Rebecca, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Marie’s Candies is a third-generation family business with a reputation for fine chocolates and unique gifts. The first-generation – Husband and wife Winfred and Marie King dealt with paralyzing polio. They gave gifts of homemade candy to helpful friends and neighbors. Marie’s Candies officially opened its doors in 1956 and provided a living for the Kings. The second generation – Husband and wife Jay and Kathy King, took ownership in 1977 and had the vision and creativity for the growth of Marie’s Candies. They dedicated their lives to improving candy production, increasing candy options, and designing candy gifts. They also moved and restored a train depot that became the business’s retail space in 1996. The third-generation – brother and sister, Shannon King and Rebecca Craig, became co-owners in 2016. They continue the legacy of their grandparents and parents, along with the invaluable help of 30 staff members.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Each generation has had challenges. Winfred was a farmer until polio put him in an iron lung and paralyzed him for the rest of his life. He used his strong mind to oversee the candy business. Marie cared for her invalid husband and three children while making and selling candy. When Winfred died, Marie lost her passion for candy making. Their son Jay and his wife Kathy were in missionary training at the time, but they changed course to take over. Jay and Kathy also started using some candy-making equipment for more automation and spent three years restoring a train depot for a new sales area. Rebecca and Shannon survived a global pandemic and continue to work through the lasting effects. All three generations have relied on hard work and faith that God will provide.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We make and sell lots of candy, but we also like to create unique gifts for every holiday and season. One of my favorite things to do is put together a theme for an upcoming holiday. I really enjoy choosing and coordinating the gift wrap, gift containers, and candy that will become a display in our store.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.mariescandies.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariescandies/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariesfanpage
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mariescandies8600
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/maries-candies-west-liberty?osq=Marie%27s+Candies
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mariescandies
