ARTS
CREATIVE COTTON CANDY
WRITTEN BY
Megan Baranuk PHOTOS COURTESY OF
Emily Harpel
Meet Art of Sucre and the woman behind the business, Emily Harpel. The creative cotton candy company was created in Cleveland.
E
mily Harpel, founder of local cotton candy company Art of Sucre, was inspired to start the business after noticing the lack of gourmet cotton candy services in Cleveland. Art
of Sucre specializes in creative twists on the classic treat. Gourmet cotton candy is not something one hears of often, and Harpel took a leap of faith by starting her business immediately after her honeymoon. Featuring flavors such as champagne, watermelon and sugar cookie, Art of Sucre is anything but basic. The company also features new innovations for cotton candy such as edible glitter and glitter bombs (glitter cotton candy dissolved in champagne). One quirky service they offer is mannequin
heads topped with a beehive hairdo comprised of cotton candy. I first came into contact with Art of Sucre while planning an event for Cleveland State University’s Campus Activities Board. I wanted to have cotton candy catered to Cleveland State for Homecoming Week and I was surprised to find Art of Sucre’s website. I was thrilled to find all of the aesthetically pleasing pictures and delighted at the abundance of options. After contacting Harpel, I received an affordable quote. The entire process was easy and quick, so it was no surprise that Harpel came to the event on time and provided a great time to the students who participated. The cotton candy was not only beautiful in its soft, cloudlike appearance, but delivered on the promise of amazing flavors. Unlike the gritty taste of traditional cotton candy, this cotton candy is light, healthier and definitely delicious. The service and the product exceeded my expectations and Art of Sucre became a regular for my events on campus. Harpel’s warmth and kindness radiated throughout the event. It was obvious that she is someone who chases her passion and builds strong relationships with people she comes in contact with. Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down and talk to Harpel about her business. It was a pleasure, and she was every bit as sweet as her cotton candy! I know you started this company after finding inspiration on Pinterest for cotton candy while planning your wedding, but what inspired you to start your own business? EH: I grew up without a traditional family, in the sense that neither of my parents worked a 9-5. My dad had his own business and when I got to middle school he started another one - and another one - so I always joke that it’s in our blood. Most kids grow up thinking starting a business isn’t a normal thing to do, but it was really all I knew. My degree
Visit artofsucre.com or follow
is in psychology and my plan was to start my own
Emily on Instagram @artosucre
practice, so this wasn’t really that far off. My origi-
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