One of the most valuable resources we have in Uptown Whittier is a variety of family owned businesses that offer unique services and products. Village Sweets is a perfect example of such a business, right in the center of Uptown on Greenleaf Avenue.
A Little Something to Brighten Your Day
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In this fast-paced, modern day world, it’s nice to know that some things remain the same. If you loved candy as a kid (and chances are you still do), “Village Sweets” is an experience you don’t want to miss. It’s an old- fashioned specialty candy store for kids and grown-ups alike set apart by their fresh, quality ingredients, passion for specialty candy making, and attention to details.
A Grand Candy Tour
Walk through the door and you are welcomed by an extravagant assortment of gourmet jelly beans in a candy rainbow of 24 cheerful colors and lively flavors. You will find nostalgia awaits you with large barrels of salt-water taffy in 18 flavors. A wide selection of Retro candies is a veritable treasure trove of tasty delights that are far and above your average candy-ready to satisfy cravings you developed years ago. The selections are really something to experience.
Chocolate Heaven
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Every day, Village Sweets makes fresh fudge in flavors that include Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chewy Praline, Butter Pecan, Maple Walnut - the original fudge flavor, Chocolate Raspberry and Chocolate Mint. There are also seasonal flavors like Eggnog and Pumpkin. Be sure to ask about the sucrose free products, and keep in mind that not all fudge is chocolate, so there is something for a variety of tastes. It has a beautifully rich and silky taste that is incredibly satisfying.
Candy Apples are a Village Sweets signature product, as is seen in their logo. They choose large sweet-tart Granny Smith apples, which are dipped in thick, fudge or caramel then twirled in a variety of toppings like peanuts, almonds, flaky coconut, fluffy marshmallows, and other cookie and candy toppings. Their best seller is "Rocky Road". If you decide to share, one apple can easily become a dessert for two... or three. Just ask them to slice it up for you!
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If you are looking for something dainty and sweet, try one of the beautifully made truffles. These tasty bites make a wonderful treat that you can share with your sweetie after dinner, or a great treat any time your in the mood for something special.
Powered by Monica, Family & Friends
When you go to Village Sweets, you are likely to encounter one of the family members or friends that have been involved with the shop from the beginning. Monica Sanchez and her parents Sal and Josie Sanchez began Village Sweets as a family endeavor.
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Twelve years ago, Monica was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension; it’s life threatening and incurable. She was told she would not be able to work. Today, Village Sweets gives her the opportunity to work.
Part of her vision was to work with kids, providing a place they could feel loved and a sense of belonging. “Their love, in return has filled my void of not having children of my own”.
“When the three o'clock school bell rings there are 10 to 15 kids”, Monica says. “Some are doing puzzles, playing games, working on their senior projects or doing homework. Others are in theater, so they’re singing and dancing. They call my parents 'Mama' and 'Papa'. In the beginning, I thought it would be all little kids, but what I’ve found is the teenagers have also found their way to me... And they told me I could never have kids; boy where they wrong!” (Monica in Kitchen image)
Peter Perfect Makeover Airs on Style Network TV
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In the spring of 2008, Style Network's Peter “Perfect” Ishkhans featured Village Sweets on an episode of “Peter Perfect”. He did a complete makeover for Village Sweets. They created a logo, a sign for the front window, and interior design appropriate for a candy store. It was amazing; the transformation was a complete success. Monica and her mom also got total makeovers at Peter’s hair salon in Beverly Hills. Currently you can still see reruns on Style Network, or you can buy this episode on iTunes, here.
Free Fudge Tasting with Sal
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The family is very enthusiastic about their specialty fudge products. Sal is often seen at the back of the store, explaining the origin of fudge, informing shoppers about the different varieties, and offering mouth-watering samples. Make sure to ask about the featured fudge for the day and Sal will graciously satisfy your curiosity. Meanwhile, Josie and Monica may be making fudge and fudge apple creations in the kitchen. Yes, there is a kitchen on site where fresh fudge is made daily. This attention to customer's needs is what drives them to come up with flavors such as their favorite “Rocky Road Fudge” or their “Village Sweet Special” - a fudge dipped apple that is Rocky Road with caramel added. They also have Sucrose Free Vanilla Fudge; so if you can't have sugar and you can't have chocolate, there is still something here for you.
Monica’s Success Story
“I feel like I have everything I could wish for,” Monica tells us. “And at the end of the day I can go to sleep knowing the day was a little brighter… When I turn off the lights and close the door I always feel the satisfaction that it was a day well done.” And this attitude shows in the service and hospitality you will receive at Village Sweets.
“You’ve got to make the decision to choose life. It’s about beating the odds,” Monica says. “I work seven days a week… and I don’t live with an expiration date on my head.” Her attitude is positive, and by all indications, she does not let her condition get her down. It's not something you think about when visiting her store.
Special Occasions & Holidays & Custom Orders
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Monica and her family have the knowledge and ability to create special fudge dipped apples or marshmallows to fit just about any occasion. They create special seasonal flavors like Egg-Nog or Pumpkin Fudge. Gift arrangements of favorite candies to brighten someone's day or for sharing at special events can be customize to meet your needs. Let your imagination go wild, and you can bet Monica will be there brainstorming ideas with you that will bring pleasure, fun and great taste for any occasion. We have even seen dozens of “bride and groom” candy apples all lined up, ready to be presented as favors at a wedding reception
Come on By
Whether you happen to be in Uptown and want to pick up a special treat, or you need an excuse to visit our shopping district, you will want to schedule a visit to Village Sweets. And while you are there, don't hesitate to ask about the variety of flavors, sample some fudge, and choose some to take home to enjoy and share.
If life is about the little moments of happiness and enjoying "the simple pleasures", and if a piece of candy can have you reminiscing nostalgic over a happy memory, then Village Sweets is about welcoming those pleasures and memories, and creating one of those perfect little moments for yourself once in a while.
6743 Greenleaf Ave. Whittier, Ca. 90601 (562) 698-9293
Story by Rene Hader with contributions by Rick & CarolPhotographs by Rick Elias
