BOISE, Idaho — Sweet Zola's Candy Shop in Boise is not your average candy store, it is also a nonprofit. The founder, Cyndy Radovich, is focused on hiring people in our community with special needs.
The goal is to give them job training and experience, so they can land their next job in our community. Radovich works in the special needs community as a behavioral interventionist. She saw a need and her candy store is giving adults job training.
"They are getting to work in a real world environment, and they are getting to learn customer service first hand," Radovich said.
She opened Sweet Zola's in Meridian in 2019. The shop is named for her young daughter, Zola.
In 2020, when the pandemic hit, Radovich had to close the shop, but she wasn't ready to give up on her dream. She raised money, and reopened six months later in Boise on Fairview Avenue. That is where Zola's has been ever since.
"This location has been really great, it's so much bigger, it's so much brighter, we have so much more artwork in this location. And a lot more employees," Radovich said. "Since opening, we've employed over 50 people! At our current location we have 25 employees. The employees who have left us have moved on to better opportunities. It makes me so happy. That's the whole idea. But, I'm going to be honest, I cry everytime someone leaves."
Evie Heckathorn is 22, and she said she was thrilled to get a job at Zola's.
"It's really neat because it gives more people like me, who have special needs, the opportunity to work and see what working is like," Heckathorn said.
Heckathorn also makes bookmarks to sell at the shop. She is one of the many artists selling artwork there.
Jeff Wilson, 40, has worked at Sweet Zola's since 2019. He also sells his paintings at the shop.
"Being here, it just makes me happier to work here with my friends," said Wilson. "Dusting, mopping, making sure the candy is straight and the artwork is organized," said Wilson.
Radovich said they welcome consignment artists at Zola's, and many of the employees are part of that group. The shop is also filled with beautiful art for sale. They also arrange and sell fresh flowers for customers on Mondays.
"They are so proud of it, and that's the heartwarming part of it," said Radovich.
Ask any of the employees, and they will tell you, that the best part of Sweet Zola's is the family environment.
"Every single one of my employees knows they can come here and feel safe and feel included and loved," Radovich said.
Sweet Zola's relies heavily on donations, but Radovich said it's a monthly struggle to make rent and payroll. She often uses her own money to cover costs, but she fears she won't be able to keep that up.
Now, there's a new way for the community to help. Sweet Zola's is offering candy box subscriptions, shipped right to your home each month. The boxes are packed by the employees with love.
"It's $24.99 a month, it's really a cute service, you get a surprise of tons of candy in this box," Radovich said. That's the newest venture that we are working on and we work really hard on it and it's really fun. We ship them out all over the United States. We need more subscriptions, and we are hoping to get the word out. As a nonprofit, if you donate to us, that's 100 percent write off on your taxes."
Radovich is hoping more people will sign up for the subscription service. She is dedicated to keeping her doors open, and keeping her workers employed. But, she also invites you to come by the shop in person. It's something truly special.
"I guarantee you won't leave here without a smile," she said.
She, and her employees, are hoping people will choose Zola's for their Valentine's Day shopping this year.
People can subscribe to get a Sweet Zola's candy box here.
Sweet Zola's is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 7172 Fairview Avenue in Boise.
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