| by Jill Vernon | 3/20/07 | 8328 views |
Her eyes were glistening with the horror of her past as Candy recalled the fatal night last summer when she stood upon the ashes of her still-burning motel, The Thunderbird. Burning along with the motel’s furniture were Candy’s dreams of a better life and her fantasies of one day owning a successful business. Her tears scorched the ground like fallen embers.
In December of 2006, however, Candy no longer felt that same ruin when she was given another chance. “He’s an angel, sent from God,” says Candy, referring to her banker, Roger. With Candy’s troubling credit history, the personal loan was immediately labeled “High Risk.” Roger, however, granted Candy clemency and created the means for her to open a strip club on Main Street.
Funding the club was not as difficult as receiving permission for construction from the City. Due to strict religious doctrine and government law, the adult entertainment bar had to be at least 700 feet away from any church or religious building. On Sundays, the Candy Shop must also remain closed.
With the windows completely black and signs that read, “They’re Sweet, They’re Sassy, Even a Little Naughty,” The Candy Shop is raising curiosity from passerby. Speculation has turned into rumor as whispers have been heard that The Candy Shop is a legitimate candy shop. This is a conspiracy, obviously begun by opposers of the strip club.
The title of The Candy Shop was inspired by musician 50 Cent’s profound song. “The lyrics spoke to me,” says Candy. “ ‘If you be a ho, I’ll be a ho. On the beach or in the park, it’s whatever you into.’ He immortalizes my motel with those words.”
The idea for The Candy Shop occurred with the destruction of the Stone Balloon during the summer of 2006. Stardust, Candy’s daughter, encouraged her mother to pursue her dreams. “She was always supportin’ me. Like when I become an exotic dancer at Delilah’s. She brought me flowers my opening night.”
But this encouragement has not always been present in Candy’s life. Growing up in a single parent household was difficult enough without having to endure the teasing from her classmates: “I only have three fingers on my left hand. The [expletive] kids made sure I knew that everyday of my life.” This handicap disadvantaged Candy when she realized her aspirations to become a guitarist, a pianist and hand puppeteer would be denied.
Now, with the new dance club, Candy hopes her dream can finally be realized.
And it is.
The Candy Shop, furnished with dashing style, is nothing short of awe-inspiring. The club has marble floors and stone columns built on the grounds of possibility. Intermittently placed along the walls are mirrors framed in gold and ivory. Walls are lined with black fur, from an undisclosed animal. The large stage, erected with strength and girth, stands tall below a pink curtain.
Candy and Stardust pray for acceptance and approval from the Newark community. Now, they wait for either the success or failure of their latest endeavor. Stardust says, “We belong here on Main Street. We’re just like everyone else. We’re a family owned business and we cherish that.”
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