‘Pastel Willy Wonka’: See inside the happiest place on earth
With the vision to create a fun, happy and nostalgic place for the community to enjoy, a Toowoomba woman has traded in her career in the corporate world to open her own lolly shop with a twist.
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After years of working in the corporate world, Tahlia Scott decided it was time to ditch the briefcase and change direction – and her new “office” may just be the happiest place on earth.
Eager to create a party favour for the kids who usually miss out, Ms Scott began selling allergen and gluten free fairy floss online in late 2019, along with custom made party decor.
Despite many businesses in the field struggling to keep afloat during the pandemic, the mum of three said her sweet start-up flourished with clients trying to live as “normal” as possible.
Whether she was receiving orders for driveway and Zoom parties or gender reveal gift boxes for isolated families, Ms Scott said 2020 was one of her busiest years so far.
Now four years since she started the successful online store, Ms Scott and her family have relocated from Sydney to Highfields and she has expanded her business.
In just nine days, she managed to renovate a humble space and transform it into the lolly shop of her dreams – So Flossy.
“It’s the pastel rainbow version of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory and I get to be a kid everyday,” Ms Scott said.
“I’ve always had a sweet tooth but opening my own shop felt like a pipedream.
“My vision is for this to be a place where you stop by when it’s raining or on your way home to just have a chat and have fun.”
Ditching her corporate job in the insurance industry, Ms Scott now works full-time at her Highfields store which first opened four months ago.
In addition to her seven unique flavours of Fairy Floss, the business owner also sells a wide variety of lollies and chocolate, as well as candy-themed homewares and gifts.
“Everyone loves the nostalgic classics like Spearmint Leaves, Jaffas, Jersey Caramels and Clouds,” Ms Scott said.
“As soon as you open the container of Peach Rings it’s like a flashback to your childhood.”
The 72 sqm site which was formerly a hairdressing salon, gift shop and pop-up shop for various purposes, can also be hired for parties with several packages available.
Ms Scott said she has already hosted a Wednesday Addams themed event instore, complete with a gothic photo booth and game of ‘pin Thing the hand on Wednesday’s head’.
So Flossy is at the Jacaranda Manor complex at 10498 New England Highway.
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