Newport Beach has been my home for more than 40 years, and it’s where our family’s story continues to unfold. Originally from the Central Valley, I never imagined how special this community would become to us.

 

Family is at the center of everything we do. We’ve been married for over 30 years and have four children—Bayleigh and her husband, Cameron; Briton and his wife, Emily; Barrington; and Brennan—as well as two grandchildren, Bowie and Bond, who are our absolute world. Our family is complete with our beloved dogs, Rascal and Kylo, and the tropical fish in our saltwater tank.

 

Our children attended Harbor View Elementary School, Harbor Day School, Corona del Mar High School, and Sage Hill School. Growing up, they were active in soccer, tennis, lacrosse, and football, and today each is pursuing their own path.

 

Bayleigh, the creative force behind B.CANDY, manages our social media and is a wonderful mom to Bowie and Bond. Her husband, Cameron, is our amazing store manager and an integral part of the B.CANDY team.

 

Briton, who previously worked as a guest greeter and sweets specialist at our shop, is now working towards opening his own Magic: The Gathering and gaming shop in Irvine.

 

Barrington, who once worked as one of our cherished ice cream makers at B.CANDY, is now pursuing a degree in law at Chapman University Fowler School of Law.

 

Brennan had the sweetest job of all; he was the official taste tester. Recently, he graduated from Chapman University and is also the drummer for his band, Monarch.

 

We’re a close-knit family in every sense. My mom, sister, and extended family all live nearby, making it easy for us to spend time together regularly. We gather for family dinners several nights a week and make it a priority to travel together each year.

 

I am the proud owner of B.CANDY, our town’s vibrant candy wonderland. We offer a wide variety of toys, including NeeDohs, gifts, games like Mahjong, an in-house bakery, and an ice cream shop. The idea for our store began when one of my sons shared his dream of living in a candy world. Inspired by that dream, we opened our doors in 2010.

 

What inspires me most is creating a place where everyone feels welcome. I take great pride in carefully curating products that fit a variety of budgets and styles while creating a safe and fun space for kids to gather after school, chat with our fantastic team, and enjoy a treat or two.

 

There’s a little bit of magic and a whole lot of love in our shop, and I hope every person who walks through our doors can feel it. What I love most is seeing the joy our shop brings to everyone who steps inside. Whether it’s a child picking out their favorite candy, a family celebrating a special occasion, or someone simply stopping by for a scoop of ice cream, being part of those happy moments makes everything worthwhile. Funny enough, my husband owns a dental practice, so while I help create sweet smiles with candy and ice cream, he helps keep those smiles healthy. I guess our businesses really do go hand in hand!

 

Lately, we’ve gotten into American Mahjong, which has quickly become a favorite family pastime. I’m also a die-hard Los Angeles Rams fan. We have season tickets, so you’ll find us cheering from the stands during football season and even traveling for big games. This September, we’re heading to Australia to cheer them on!

 

Giving back is an important part of who we are. As a family and a small business, we’re very involved in the community. We love participating in Third Thursdays and bringing a creative touch to the Dolphin Corridor and our store. We also support local schools and organizations.

 

On any given day, you might spot us cruising around town in our pink B.CANDY Moke, heading to the beach, hopping on the ferry for a little adventure, or enjoying a meal at one of our favorite local spots, such as Foretti’s, Five Crowns, SUGARFISH, or Jan’s.

 

As much as we love exploring our town, a perfect day for me is simple: a quiet cup of coffee, followed by the sound of my grandkids arriving, the pitter-patter of little feet running around, and laughter filling the house. Add in a game of Mahjong, a friend stopping by, and a family dinner around the table, and that’s as good as it gets.

 

After four decades in Corona del Mar, I still feel grateful to call this community home. It’s where we raised our children, built our business, welcomed our grandchildren, and formed lifelong friendships. Whether I’m greeting customers at B.CANDY, gathering around the dinner table with family, or watching Bowie and Bond create their own memories here, I’m reminded how fortunate we are to be part of such a special place.

 

The heart of our story has always been family, and Corona del Mar has been the perfect backdrop for every chapter. We look forward to many more years of sweet memories, strong community connections, and sharing a little bit of magic with everyone who walks through our doors.