REGINA - Dessart Sweets has been known for its variation of sweets and goods for over 20 years now in Regina.
Because of its variety of goods and service, the store was voted the Best Specialty Food Shop in Regina as part of the Prairie Dog Best of Regina 2024.
Shelley Patterson, owner of Dessart Sweets, talked about what being recognized by the local community means to her. "It's obviously an honour that people are even thinking about me because people had to take the time to nominate me and vote for me, so that's kind of cool. We are a specialty food store, so we have lots of really neat stuff, so it's nice that people recognize that."
If you asked Patterson what stands out about her store, she would tell you it’s "the huge selection of Dutch licorice, and I have a really big selection of bulk, like pick and mix candies, so I have over 80 different varieties that people can come and choose."
Patterson sells a variety of goods from different countries, including licorice from the Netherlands and candy bars from the U.S. or packaged candy from England.
She also uses social media as a way to sell trendy candy. Patterson will often look at TikTok to see what the younger generation is currently into. Patterson referenced how she once saw giant pickles on a post and decided to make these giant pickle creations with Mexican candies.
Not only does social media present ways to understand current trends, but it also helps small businesses promote themselves. Patterson described that as the biggest difference between when she first opened the store and now.
How one article changed everything
Growing up, Patterson never considered opening up a business. It was not until she was in her 20s that the idea Patterson could run a business crossed her mind. At that time, she started setting up art festivals and selling beaded items she made.
Around that same time, Patterson was also running a personal chef business, where she would make people pre-made meals, which Patterson described as "ahead of its time."
While Patterson was dabbling in different industries, she never knew what she truly wanted to do in life.
One day, Patterson ended up reading an article that was inspired by Martha Stewart, the famous businesswoman and TV personality. The article was about Dutch licorice and the different textures and sizes the candy had. Patterson found it very interesting and told herself "I wish there was somewhere I could find that."
Reading the article inspired Patterson to try and sell candy. An opportunity came up for Patterson to sell candy in the building her father-in-law owned. The building was previously an ice cream store run by a women for years.
Patterson remembers "getting ice cream [from the shop]. I would get the chocolate soft syrup because I lived just around the corner."
After the business closed down, Patterson moved into the building. When asked if it was surreal to run a business in a place that was owned by her father-in-law, Patterson responded with "yes."
Patterson aimed to sell candy, like Dutch licorice, jelly beans and British candy. She mentioned how, while living in B.C., she would go into a lot of British shops, which she thought was a cool candy. Patterson also wanted to sell retro candy to bring back nostalgia for people.
Talking about nostalgia, Patterson said, "it just invokes such a feeling, you know, going back to your childhood when people see that [like a candy they loved or saw a lot in a commercial]. Like there's just nothing really like it."
After opening up her business, Patterson admitted it was slow for the first few years, as it was only known by the local neighbourhood. However, As Dessart Sweets started attracting more customers, Patterson noted how people now from all over the province come to her shop when they stay in Regina or are passing by. She also noted people down south come by, too.
Customers tell Patterson they heard about her store through word of mouth. Hearing that, Patterson believes it speaks to her reputation.
She added, "I think it's just such an experience coming in here, too. [I think] It's really a unique store because it's in an older building. And it's really small, like [it's a small building], and it's kind of a feast for the eyes because I literally use, like, every space available."
To run a business like a candy store, Patterson said it takes a true vision. She noted how when she travels, Patterson will visit locally owned shops and see how they utilize their space. Patterson said seeing different businesses gives her new ideas for Dessart Sweets.
When a new customer walks into Dessart Sweets for the first time, Patterson says she hears, "Oh my god, wow, [this is amazing.]" Even though she always hears that reaction, Patterson said it never gets old, and she loves it.
After running the store for nearly 23 years, Patterson has no plans to change anything, as she is still committed to her business and using her creativity.
Dessart Sweets is located at 3036 13th Avenue.
