What’s your “why?”
That question came into vogue over the past several years as people explained what makes them tick — and especially what makes them successful.
For Sweet Granada owner Kim Redeker, celebrating 20 years of sweetening lives, her “why” came into focus as part of a Small Business Administration class.
An example of that was the business’ 20th anniversary celebration Saturday. The Sweet Granada offered a free screening of the movie “Wonka” at the Emporia Granada Theatre as part of its 20th anniversary celebration Saturday. The business also collected around 100 non-perishable food items and donated 10 percent of Saturday’s receipts to local food pantries.
Back in May, The Sweet Granada opened a storefront in Kansas City’s Red Bridge Shopping Center. It then almost won the USA Today 10Best contest for best candy shops nationwide, ultimately finishing second. Even with the regional business presence and the national attention, Redeker says most of her business remains at the local level.
Valentine’s Day is big for The Sweet Granada, and it’s the time when most Emporians — especially those that come in once a year — go to the store, but Christmas is the business’ busiest holiday.
Before opening the business, Redeker discussed her ideas with her mother, Toni Bowling, who suggested a chocolate-based business. Concept to opening took about a year. Redeker says her current location at 803 Commercial is the only place for her local business and she’s pleased to be part of the Granada Arts and Entertainment District.
