Have you been to The Sweet Spot in Highland? You do not want to miss this one-of-a-kind - or we should say two-of-a-kind since this is their second store (other location is in Hillsboro, IL)! Dylan and Kirby welcomed Gateway CEO on Friday to check out this business that launched their storefront in Highland back in November. Literally wall to wall with so many different kinds of candies and treats. It doesn't matter what you are looking for - retro candy, kids novelty, decade boxes, bulk candy - mix & match, specialty chocolates, or the latest viral Tik Tok candy sensation, there is something for you along with their unique selection of cold beverages. Both Dylan and Kirby have unique backgrounds that have brought them to this place of being entrepreneurs in small town America. We loved their stories of how life brought them here. Some key takeaways -
- Life experience can always help you build for your future endeavors. Whether you are part of a start up like Door Dash that grows tremendously or following a path of work in Criminal Justice, showing up everyday and doing your best to solve problems, will help pave the way for jumping into a new business.
- Relationships matter! From Dylan's wife being part of the hometown community, to be great friends and courting over coffee for a year to jump in as a business partner, relationships are what have made this candy shop venture thrive!
- The Sweet Shop - is all about experience. Clean, fresh and so much variety no matter which store you visit.
- Keep testing the market with ideas -- the Bulldog Bars, Specialty Christmas boxes, Munchies Madness - help drive sales and excitement within the community
- Don't be afraid to give back - Giving 1% is part of their business plan because they believe in helping students as they figure out what's next in life
- Be courageous - You never know what an adventure might look like. Once you step away from a corporate world/mentality and have freedom to run your business with all creativity always flowing, you may never want to go back!

Thank you Dylan and Kirby for sharing with our students. We are still looking for the golden ticket!