Episode 18 - Harnessing Competitiveness and Creativity with Dylan Lauren of Dylan’s Candy Bar

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

In this episode, Tracy Holland talks to Katie Echevarria Rosen Kitchens, Co-Founder of FabFitFun, as she opens up about her childhood, reveals how she became a journalist, and then eventually an entrepreneur. Her entrepreneurial journey started with a big idea, for a lifestyle direct-to-consumer subscription box, which has grown to be so much bigger than ever she ever imagined. We discuss how the concept for Fab, Fit, Fun went from a simple blog, to a digital editorial business, to a “ship to your home” subscription box. 

Katie talks about her evolution as a business leader, the progression of FabFitFun, and the realities of having children while an active, growing entrepreneur. She built her billion-dollar business while having two babies and talks about her journey of how she got there. Katie dives into the nuts and bolts of the brand, as she explains the importance of storytelling to make her business come to life in the eyes of the consumer. Tune in as Katie reveals the advice that she would give to a former version of herself.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[03:55] Growing up, Dylan was very competitive. She speaks about watching her dad build Ralph Lauren.

[21:00] Dylan made her dream a reality with Dylan’s Candy Bar. She speaks about the inspiration behind her brand and reveals how she brought it to life.

[29:05] Running an empire takes a lot of work; Dylan explains how she finds time for her personal life.

[31:30] The advice that Dylan would give to a former version of herself.

[39:20] Dylan is lucky to have close family and friends who serve as advisors.

[47:45] The future for Dylan and Dylan’s Candy Bar.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

Exposing your children to some form of art makes them think outside of the box.

Follow your dreams; it’s possible to enjoy something and make it your career.

When building a business, make sure you have a strong support system behind you.

Keep up to date with technology; if you don’t understand something, take a lesson on it.

QUOTES:

“It doesn't matter what age someone is, everyone, kid or adult, likes sweets and feeling like a kid again, and that's what my mission has been; to combine art, fashion, and pop culture with candy, to ignite the creative spirit and inner child.”

“After September 11th people were flooding to my store, coming in so happy and thanking me for opening. They would say “this is such a happy place. Dylan's candy bar is like somewhere I just go to smile.”

“I love the idea of taking candy and making it as large as possible, like in the Willy Wonka movie, where you're under this amazing lollipop. To me, all candy was art so I was just envisioning how it would feel and what this would look like, but with an adult's spin.”

“Dylan’s Candy Bar is not just a candy store; it’s a destination.” 

BIO: 

In 2001, Dylan Lauren pioneered the world’s largest confectionery emporium and lifestyle brand, Dylan’s Candy Bar. Its mission is to merge fashion, art, and pop culture with candy to ignite the creative spirit and inner child in everyone that visits. This innovative concept has changed the way the world experiences candy today.
Dylan’s Candy Bar houses over 7,000 confections, boasting an unparalleled selection of candies and candy-related gifts from around the world. Dylan’s Candy Bar continues to attract people of all ages with its state-of-the-art décor and trend-setting product mix.

CONNECTIONS: 

Find Dylan’s Candy Bar on Instagram and or visit their website on Dylan'sCandyBar.

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Until next time… High Five