The next chapter of Sweet Chico Confections is unwrapped

The sweetest thing

sweet chico confections

There are few things that elicit memories of childhood quite like candy. Whether as rewards for good deeds, treasures obtained from Halloween door knocking, or the opening salvo by grandpa in his bid to remind everyone why he’s their favorite, candy never had to do much work to find a place in our hearts and minds. With its ease of adoption from such a young age, it’s no surprise candy shops once dotted every landscape, as ubiquitous to developing towns as a general store. They also withstood the test of time throughout the world—the oldest of these still in existence can be found in Kyoto, Japan, founded in 1000 AD and now operated by the 24th generation of the original founding family. Known for delivering joy and extracting smiles from even the grumpiest of visitors, it should come as no surprise that candy shop owners are among the happiest people you’ll ever meet. For Robin Klitzke, the promise of such an experience was more than she could pass up.

Originally from Lubbock, Texas, Robin met her husband, Spence, while bartending in New Mexico. “It was a small town.” Robin recalled, “He walked into the bar, and I remembered thinking this was the only

guy in town I hadn’t met. He sat at the bar, and we just vibed. He didn’t ask for my number, which I thought was rude, but I noticed him talking to our bouncer before he left. It turned out they knew each other. I asked our bouncer for his number, and he asked if I liked him. I said I did, and he told me Spence told him he was going to marry me someday. I called him, and we’ve been together ever since.”

Robin completed her Masters in Business Administration at New Mexico State University, and Spence finished his lineman apprenticeship before the two decided to move to Oroville in search of better paying jobs. He graduated from the lineman college and was stationed in the Bay Area. They had two children, and Robin stayed home to raise them while teaching Microsoft classes for PG&E. When their youngest turned five, she decided it was time to get back to work. Tired of the Bay Area hustle, they sold their home and began looking for a new business opportunity, which they found during a flight back from Las Vegas—Sweet Chico Confections, located a short drive away from their old stomping grounds.

“The sale of our house in the Bay Area gave us an opportunity to purchase a new home elsewhere and reinvest in something.” Robin mentioned, “We always loved Chico, and we had actually visited the shop a number of times. From a business perspective, I just kept asking myself who doesn’t love candy? Spence and I talked it over, and it felt like the perfect match for us.”

They purchased the business, found a new home, and made the move to Chico, officially taking over Sweet Chico Confections on October 1st. Their first order of business was to give all of the employees a raise—the perfect way to demonstrate their thoughtfulness as business owners and new members of the Chico community. As many have already mentioned online, Robin seems truly at home and the perfect embodiment of the quintessential candy shop owner—bubbly, full of energy, and never without a smile across her face. As customers enter Sweet Chico, she seems to effortlessly teleport from one end of the store to the entrance, intent on being the first face they see with a warm welcome and willingness to help hunt down whatever they came searching for.

“I’ve always loved the hopping college vibe and energy throughout Downtown Chico. It’s truly unlike anyplace else!” Robin said, “Between the restaurants, neighboring businesses, and the wide variety of customers, no one day is like any other. It keeps things interesting, and I love the opportunity the shop provides to get to know everyone in the community. The space is fantastic too—it’s a historic location, and the building is so charming and warm with its brick walls. We have something here for everyone! We’re the only place in town where you can purchase gelato, and if you’ve ever had gelato, you know just how decadent it is. We source our treats from over 50 different suppliers and vendors which gives us an incredible variety of items to choose from—we even have specialty old-time candies that will bring back the nostalgia of the 50s and 60s. We often have exchange students or world travelers visit only to be surprised that we carry candy from their home country or countries they’ve visited in their travels. There are nothing but good feelings here. Little kids are running around smiling and laughing all the time, parents get to connect with their kids while they’re here, and we’re beginning to realize that this is also one of the best first date spots in Chico while also being the perfect place to rekindle the feelings you felt on a first date years ago. It never feels like work, even when you’re working 60-70 hour weeks at this time of year.”

Though the business is 15 years old and has certainly made a name for itself in the local community, Robin isn’t willing to rest on its current success. She has pages upon pages of ideas on how to elevate Sweet Chico Confections to the next level.

“I wanted a small business that allowed me to give back to the community, and this was definitely it!” Robin exclaimed, “We’ll soon be launching school, sports, and reading programs to reward students for good work. We’ll be staying open later to accommodate more customers—10pm on Thursday and 11pm on Friday and Saturday nights. We’ve already participated in our first Art & Wine Walk, and we plan on being a bigger part of Downtown Chico events as they come along. Beginning this month, we’ll also be launching our new professional gift basket program with super nice baskets that can be totally customized to your client or staff’s tastes. We’re bringing in popcorn, jerky, nuts, sauces, chutneys, and gourmet foods that you won’t be able to find anywhere else in town. It’ll be the perfect way to say thank you to clients or reward your team.”

The list of new opportunities is endless and even includes hosting birthday parties and movie nights for kids, where parents can book a party room in the back and leave the cleanup to Robin and her team. If there’s one thing for certain, Robin has the energy needed to make all of it happen, and we can’t wait to see how the business evolves under her ownership.

Treat yourself to something sweet at Sweet Chico Confections in Downtown Chico. You can find them at 121 W 3rd Street between Parkside Tap House and Made in Chico. We’ll see you there!

There’s something about

Sherry LandiS

“Sherry Landis is by far the best real estate agent in Chico. She is professional, positive, and has incredible follow through. She helped us "Sherry is such a great ally to have in the Chico market, her networking and persistence make her one of the most well positioned agents in navigate our way through the sale of two homes and the purchase of town to find the right buyers. Every one in my family uses her as an another—all at the same time! She never missed a beat. She made sure we agent and for good reason, time after time she has delivered excellent understood the process, and stayed in constant contact with us. Even after all results" -Sam, Chico three homes closed, she continued to call, email, and text just to make sure everything was going as planned. We could not have done it without her.”

— Doug anD CoLEttE RobERtS

landis4sale25@gmail.com (530) 514-4855 | landis4sale@aol.com | www.SherryLandis.com

Stay cool with the new central heating and air HVAC system installed 5/2020. Newly placed drought landscape. The front of the house is shaded by large mature pecan and japanese maple trees that also allow a sense of privacy. Beautiful 6thick PECAN hardwood floors throughout. Rear exit has a doggy door that leads to the full length, covered back porch with 2 inset sun lights and is protected by a full, chain linked fence, in good condition and looks into a back yard and almond orchard. Enjoyed raised flower/garden beds with lilac, bottle brush and willow trees, rose bushes that attract butterflies and many hummingbirds. 3 full door exit accesses. New smoke/carbon monoxide detectors outside each of the bedrooms. Extended concrete 2 step entries with disability handles intact for easy accesses. Covered front porch looking out to front yard and the neighbors orchard. 3 large bedrooms with ceiling fans and large closets. Main bathroom has a shower/tub combination. The 1/2 bath is set off the master bedroom and is tiled and freshly painted. Bed: 3.0 Bath: 1.5 SqFt: 1,506 Price: $439,000

This was the model home and only one owner! There have been many upgrades including travertine tiles, upgraded carpets, granite, oversized lot, built in desk in media room, special color paint throughout, draperies, landscaped beautifully with slate water fall, flowers galore and redwood trees. RV Access on both sides of the house and two master suites make this home a must see! Bed: 4.0 Bath: 4.0 SqFt: 3,166 Price: $429,000 Celebrating 31 years in

Chico Real Estate!

A terrific Michael Galli floor plan updated and remodeled from head to toe about a year ago. Stainless steel appliances, granite counters, plush carpets, decorator lighting, exterior and interior painting, lush park like yard, sparkling in ground gunite pool, newer 10x10 outdoor shed, wood stove, shows truly like a model home. Open floor plan with so many upgrades! Prepare to be impressed with this immaculately maintained and updated piece of Paradise. SOARING ceilings Bed: 4.0 Bath: 3.0 SqFt: 3,675 Price: $665,000welcome you to this open concept 3 bedroom + office, 3.5 bathroom BEAUTY!! Gorgeous granite throughout, pantry, crown molding, whole-house fan and natural gas. GENERAC generator powers the property if the power goes out! OWNED SOLAR, incredible backyard 'resort oasis' including Infinity edge self-cleaning pool with 'Baja Yikes! shelf' lighting and more! Outdoor kitchen, art studio (with bathroom and farm sink!) Exquisite patio coverings off the family room and master suite! Chico is only an 8-minute drive. That is, if you ever have to leave! Bed: 3.0+ Bath: 3.5 SqFt: 2,931 Price: $979,000

My homes are selling fast! Call if I can

Call or text me

help by listing your home today!regarding these homes and others (530) 514-4855

SherryLinnCalbert@gmail.com

CA-DRE lic# 01084946

"I have worked with Effie for many years buying and selling properties. Effie is is amazing. She is knowledgeable, responsive, a great negotiator, supportive through emotional steps in buying and selling, and offers great follow through on each step along the way to closing the deal. I would highly recommend Effie to anyone wishing to buy or sell a property. She works extremely hard to provide the best deal and experience for each client." -Kathy Hayes

Golf Course!! You will love the master suite, updated kitchen, flowing floorplan, well proportioned rooms, 2 fireplaces, and its brand new AC unit. The yard is exquisite with an in-ground Gunite pool, sauna, and more! Bed: 4.0 Bath: 2.5 SqFt: 2,487 Price: $787,000

Situated in the heart of the Bidwell Park, this home offers soaring ceilings and rich lustrous wood floors. 3 oversized bedrooms, a spacious master suite, and 3 bathrooms, make this home perfectly sized for nearly any buyer. The gourmet kitchen follows the home's exquisite attention to detail. An in-ground Gunite pool and outdoor patio make this home a rare find. Bed: 4.0 Bath: 3.0 SqFt: 2,152 Price: $799,500

The lake, park, and Canyon Oaks Golf Course are a stone's throw from this beautiful home!! Newer roof, wood laminate flooring, granite counter tops, fresh paint, water filtration, and more upgrades make this home a steal! Bed: 3.0 Bath: 2.0 SqFt: 1,510 Price: $499,000 One of Paradise's most charming lots. Quiet cul-de-sac location! The perfect place to build your dream home! Acres: 1.5 Price: $79,000

Situated on a 5 acres, this home offers 2 bedrooms and a bath on the first floor. On the 2nd floor you will find the master suite with walk-in shower, soaking tub, a spacious game room (which can be used as a 4th bedroom ), a hall bath and an office area. Detached art studio unit has its own 1/4 bath. Owned solar, outdoor shower, and other unique offerings abound. Bed: 3.0 Bath: 3.0 SqFt: 2,482 Price: $569,000

Ahhh, h.e.c.m!

The call goes out to everyone who knows anyone 62 or older—please get these people to learn about the home loan customized for seniors. It could be a lifesaver for them or someone they know.

It’s the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) loan, which allows people 62 or older the possibility of living in their own homes with little or no monthly payments, or even receiving monthly payments. They can buy a home with the HECM or they can refinance their existing loan into the HECM.

I received a call from one Mrs. Finley, from Arizona.

“The party’s over,” said Mrs. Finley. “I can’t afford to live here anymore. “I’m on a fixed income now, and I can’t afford my monthly payments. I will probably move in with my daughter.”

I called Big Jim the Loan Master, who knows all the details of these loans. I gave him the lowdown on Mrs. Finley.

“The way I understand it,” I said, “Mrs. Finley can refinance her home into an HECM loan and have no monthly payments. True?”

“True,” said Jim. “She also has the option of receiving monthly payments, so she creates an income for herself with no requirement to pay it back.”

“So, she would be using the equity in her home by not making payments,” I said, “which means at some point, she could owe as much as the house is worth.”

“True,” said Jim, “but the interest rate is so low on the loan, that it doesn’t grow very fast, so it rarely happens that the loan becomes more than the home’s value.”

“So, if she died and her house was worth $400,000, and the loan balance is higher, say $500,000, what happens?”

“Her kids sign the house over with a deed-in-lieu to the lender. No debt. No harm, no foul.”

“So, she spent her kids’ inheritance,” I said.

“Yes,” said Jim, “but it allowed her to have a good independent lifestyle. Also, if she had to leave the home for health reasons, for hospital or hospice for instance, she can be gone a year without having to sell.”

“Amazing,” I said.

“Also,” said Jim, “the kids can buy the house at 95% of market value at the time of her death, regardless of how high the loan balance went. If she owed $500,000 and the house is worth $400,000, the kids can buy it for $380,000.”

Mrs. Finley parties on.

Doug Love is Sales Manager at Century 21 in Chico. Email dougwlove@gmail.com. Call or text 530-680-0817.

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF, AT ALL COSTS.

JESSICA DARLING WILKERSON, MA, LMFT 104464 LICENSED MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPIST EMDR CLINICIAN

When things get hard, voices of ghosts from our past can remind us of the ways we can’t or shouldn’t succeed. We reiterate them to ourselves by calling ourselves names (“you idiot”) or proclaiming something negative about our abilities (“you’ll never be able to accomplish that lofty dream”). It’s a pretty common coping mechanism to put ourselves down, because if we can see the disappointment coming ahead of time then we assume the let-down won’t be so hard. To me, this feels tragic.

If you accomplish the goal, you experienced the lead up to the goal with more tumult than was necessary because we had to navigate your success around all the external voices along with the internal pessimism. One more landmine. If you didn’t accomplish that goal, you would have felt disappointment regardless, so now you didn’t even get to experience the deep feelings of hope and excitement that might have precluded the disappointment. It was all negative.

Many believe that if they pep talk themselves and ignore the potential negative outcomes they can circumvent the negative experiences, and on the surface this appears true. Here’s the rub, these are the folks who end up in the first group of negative thinkers. That’s because both of these thought processes are engaging in all-or-nothing thinking.

What if the healthiest way of thinking was to understand that two things can be true at the same time? What if the goal you’ve created for yourself truly is outlandish and lofty, while also being a great idea and worth your time and effort? What if the plan is truly destined to fail, but if it succeeds then it would be a miracle worthy of the hope and ambition you put into it? What if it will break your heart while also healing and freeing you?

You can be stubborn and an idiot while also being a genius with a gift of flexibility. When we embrace the potential negative outcomes of situations, goals, and dreams while keeping our minds and hearts open to simultaneous positive experiences, character traits, and results, we aren’t plagued by doubt. Our subconscious balances out the risk vs reward, and if we’re disappointed and hurt we hurt, but we are not broken the way we often fear we will be. We hurt, but we also heal faster and strengthen ourselves to try again.

Jessica Wilkerson, MA, LMFT is a licensed marriage and family therapist in Chico, CA. She is an EMDR clinician as well as the owner/operator and clinical supervisor of Inspired Life Counseling. For more information, visit www.jessicawilkerson.com and www.inspiredlifechico.com. Jessica can also be reached via phone at (530) 809-1702