The Candy Lab : Building Confidence And Creativity Through Edible Art
Children spend a significant amount of time on screens, as a result of which creativity is taking a back seat. Because of this, there is a persistent risk that creativity could be replaced by convenience, as children communicate through screens and not shared experiences.
Sometimes ordinary observations lead to extraordinary ideas. Ilyse Shapiro observed a shift in the activities of children during the most challenging periods in recent history – the COVID-19 pandemic. She noticed that children lost opportunities to socialize, explore creativity, and engage in meaningful activities. This disruption was creating a gap that needed to be filled with imagination, warmth, and human connection. Ilyse recognized the problem and decided to build a solution that would feel attractive to children and meaningful to parents.
She named this solution The Candy Lab. A Lab where children experiment with their favorite thing, ‘Candies’. With their imagination, they transform candy into edible art.
A Sweet Idea Born from a Serious Need
The purpose of The Candy Lab was a lot more than just entertainment. During the pandemic, Ilyse noticed that children suffered not only academically or socially but also emotionally and creatively. Children were dependent on screens for learning, communication, and even playing. As a result, they were not getting opportunities for hands-on interaction and imaginative expression.
Ilyse was not ready to accept it as the “new normal”. She wanted to create a place where children could be creative in the way they want to be. She envisioned an environment where children could once again learn through exploration, interact with peers, and express themselves freely. She wanted to make something unconventional and exciting. She searched for the answers to some out-of-the-box questions. “What if crafting could become edible? What if art could also become an experience children could taste, touch, and share?”
This quest resulted in The Candy Lab.
Reinventing Creativity Through Edible Art
Traditional craft studios rely on paint, paper, glue, or clay, but The Candy Lab used an unusual category of materials for creative expression. Children can use candies, fruits, and vegetables as a resource for their artwork. This Lab is designed for children ages 4-104 years. They offer camps, classes, and parties where children create edible art using their imagination.
The concept caught the eye of parents and children because it transformed ordinary treats into tools for innovation. Gummies became building blocks, marshmallows became sculpture pieces, and Fruit slices turned into vibrant artistic palettes. Every workshop becomes a miniature world where imagination rules.
The Candy Lab combines multiple elements to provide an immersive experience. It is creative, educational, interactive, and sensory-driven all at once. Children design, experiment, and learn through play, all of this in addition to preparing a sweet treat for themselves. And the best part is their creations do not end up forgotten on a shelf or into a storage bin; the artwork becomes part of the experience itself. And the best part is that children get an interesting reward for their fantastic creation: they get to eat their masterpieces.
Creativity is not limited to children only, and The Candy Lab seconds that. That is why they offer various team-building events and parties for adults, enabling them to enjoy the creative fun.
Building Confidence in a Judgement-Free Space
The Candy Lab was built on the belief that children flourish when they feel safe to express themselves freely. Children are given a nonjudgmental, creative environment where they receive positive encouragement instead of criticism. “Here, there are no ‘wrong’ artistic choices. A crooked candy castle or a wildly colorful edible sculpture is not considered imperfect; it is considered imaginative.”
This approach helps children develop confidence naturally. When they see their ideas come to life, they get a sense of pride, ownership, and self-esteem. “Like sunlight nurturing a young plant, encouragement becomes the force that helps children grow emotionally and creatively.”
Facing The Challenges of Creating Something Unique
Ilyse did not face any significant gender-based challenges in her field. But building ‘The Candy Lab’ came with its unique challenges. The biggest challenge was to convince people that such a concept could work.
Edible crafting was an unfamiliar idea. Introducing a completely new type of creative workshop meant that Ilyse had to establish credibility while simultaneously educating people about the value of the experience.
Innovation often requires entrepreneurs to walk paths that have not yet been paved. For Ilyse, that meant proving that creativity, education, and edible art could successfully coexist. What initially seemed unconventional has become unforgettable now.
Understanding Through Shared Experiences
As a woman entrepreneur serving families, Ilyse brings a deeply relatable perspective to her business. She understands the realities parents and caregivers face because she shares many of those same concerns and priorities. This understanding allows her to connect with parents on a more authentic level.
Safety, nutrition, scheduling, enrichment, and meaningful experiences all matter deeply to parents. The Candy Lab focuses on experiences that contribute to a child’s development and happiness.
The Candy Lab also lets parents and children work side by side, transforming workshops into memory-making experiences. “Families are not simply purchasing an activity; they are investing in quality time, creativity, and emotional connection”, Ilyse states.
Leadership Rooted in Clarity and Honesty
Ilyse’s strong principles are the base of her leadership style. For her, effective leadership is built on clarity, honesty, and communication. She believes that people perform best when goals, priorities, and expectations are clearly defined. She emphasizes transparency and alignment, along with the willingness to give and receive honest feedback.
Her leadership philosophy reflects the same environment she hopes to create for children. An environment where everyone feels supported, empowered, and confident to express themselves openly.
Creating Lasting Impact
The true vision of The Candy Lab is far beyond fun workshops and colorful candy displays. Ilyse wants to leave a lasting emotional and creative impact on children, families, and the community.
The workshop encourages curiosity, imagination, and problem-solving in children. Ilyse wants them to understand that creativity is not about achieving perfection but about fearlessly exploring possibilities.
For families, The Candy Lab becomes a place where meaningful memories are created. Parents participate alongside their children in various activities, which helps strengthen their bond and spend memorable time together.
Most importantly, The Candy Lab shows children that thinking differently is something to celebrate rather than hide.
Advice to Women Ready to Begin
For women wanting to start their entrepreneurial journey, Ilyse has an honest piece of advice: ‘You do not need to become a perfect entrepreneur overnight.’
“Success is not built through flawless execution from day one; it is built through learning, adapting, evolving, and not giving up”, Ilyse affirms.
A Future Filled with Creativity and Heart
Ilyse envisions The Candy Lab growing into a brand that continues to nurture creativity, confidence, and joy in children. Her mission remains simple: helping children understand that art need not be perfect to be enjoyable.
The Candy Lab reminds us that the sweetest ideas bring people together, spark imagination, and leave lasting impressions.
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