Today we’d like to introduce you to Becca Bissette.
Hi Becca, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I knew I wanted to open a new business to follow up on a previous venture closed by Covid. The Town of Wake Forest began construction on a new multimillion dollar inclusive kid’s playground directly across the street from our home. When the park opened it was an immediate success, and opportunity knocked.
My husband and I played with the idea of opening a thrift store, or a place for vintage girl’s toys, and several other ideas, but my love for Sanrio, along with his bulk food connections with the Amish in central Pennsylvania, gave us a perfect roadmap for a combined sweets and collectibles store.
Growing up in western Ohio, my dad would take me to The Yum Yum Tree as a special treat. Think of a store where American Greetings, Hallmark and Sanrio all had a baby. It was a magic memory of my childhood and I hoped to recapture that feel with Becca B’s Candy and Collectibles.
I wanted to build a business where a child could walk in with a dollar and walk out with a handful of candy. With the help of my husband and son, we were able to transform the former apartment into a lovely, whimsical place where people walk through the door and gasp, “Oh wow, it’s so pretty.” It brings my heart joy every time I hear that!
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?
Having not been open for a year yet, we’re still in the early phases of business building. However we’re glad to share that we’ve more than covered the costs of our initial investment and inventory. The community of Wake Forest has been incredibly receptive to our special place given our unusual location and limited hours. My husband and I both work other jobs during the week. We’re open Thursday through Sunday afternoons and early evenings until 6pm.
We’ve been impressed with Becca B’s Candy & Collectibles , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Becca B’s specializes in toys and building kits from companies like Sanrio and Rolife, bulk and vintage candy, and collectibles. We carefully curate our products so that there won’t be a lot of overlap between our products and things you’d find in major retailers. We want each customer to have a unique experience every time they come in.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up in Ohio I never felt like I fit in. I wasn’t interested in farming or 4H. As an imagination filled child, I liked art and fashion and all things cute and adorable. I always wondered if the fairies left me with my parents. Growing up, I wanted to have my own store; a place that is unique and whimsical. When I moved to Wake Forest in 2000, I felt much more at home in this community, and knew it was a place where I could raise a family and have a future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://beccabs.com/
- Instagram: @beccabscandy
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/BeccaBsCandy
- Other: TikTok@beccabscandy
