Today we’d like to introduce you to Estelle Krasinski.
Hi Estelle, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up a lover of all things sweet! My AOL Instant Messenger screen name was @candyqueen0530, for all of my millennials out there who remember AIM. I had a pink barbie cash register that I used to check out customers at my pretend candy shoppe.
Fast forward to 2020, I was living in Manhattan where I had completed my undergraduate degree and began a career in financial consulting. I found myself flying to Florida every week to consult for a client. In the midst of the pandemic, I ended up foregoing my apartment in Manhattan and moving to Florida full time. After some more time working remote for various clients across the nation, I was presented the opportunity to be a part of a new food hall concept in The Villages called The Market at Sawgrass Grove. In the midst of Covid, the construction of the new build took quite a while, and I used the time to hone in on my dream; Darlin’s Sweet Shoppe. I designed a floor plan, I drew up logos and planned color schemes, I taste tested, I held a hiring event, I built the foundation of my business that I am so proud of to this day. We just celebrated our 3 year anniversary and I have never been more grateful. I love coming to work everyday, greeting my employees that have become family, seeing the customers whose orders I have memorized, and filling the Market with the smell of freshly baked cookies.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Most of the struggles we endured at Darlin’s was simply getting to the point where we could open our doors. As a brand new build during Covid, materials, equipment and labor were a challenge. Our customers tend to agree that it was worth the wait!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Darlin’s Sweet Shoppe offers cookies, cakes, pies, ice cream and more. We pride ourselves on delectable treats and delightful hospitality to match. We strive to have every customer leave with a smile on their face. A fan favorite is our brownie cookie combination coined the “brookie”. This delicious treat is made in house, with a fudgey brownie base topped with chocolate chip cookie dough that is packed with milk, dark, and semi sweet chocolate chunks.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Darlin’s Sweet Shoppe is located in The Villages. I love having a business within The Villages community. It is such a delightful to serve residents who are just stepping off the golf course, or coming to enjoy the live music that we host on our outdoor stage everyday. A highlight is when residents of The Villages have their kids and grand kids come to visit and we get to scoop up ice cream for several generations during a family vacation. The Market at Sawgrass Grove is great for everyone, not just residents! Along with our daily music entertainment, there are other free activities including trivia, fitness classes, even musical bingo where winners are awarded gift cards to establishments within The Market, such as Darlin’s 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: https://DarlinsSweetShoppe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darlinssweetshoppe/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DarlinsSweetShoppe/
