Fifteen years later, Lauren’s passion for all things candy hasn’t staled, in fact, her love for sweet confections has grown and today she’s excited about her new store that recently opened in Union Square next to the famed Blue Water Grill restaurant. The 3,500-square foot downtown store is a boutique version of the uptown candyland with more of an edge. The glittery silver floor, black walls, and an illuminated ceiling featuring a light show of changing holiday colors much like the Empire State Building gives it a fun nightclub vibe. “This location caters to the other half of New York. It’s for all the downtowners and Brooklynites who don’t make it uptown” says Lauren. “It’s a little funkier. I like to call it ‘hip hop disco chic’.” To impress her cool-kid clients, Lauren debuted the second New York City store with an outdoor performance by the Brooklyn United Marching Band. Other details that make this location unique from its big sister are the candy songs remixed by a hip hop DJ and an outdoor seating area overlooking the park that will open this summer. “New York is the only city with two flagship locations because there’s room for it,” says Lauren. “Each store accommodates the different tastes of the diverse people in the city.” As the daughter of a major mogul it’s no wonder that she has the Midas touch for business. “I always knew I wanted to lead or be an entrepreneur and create a new concept. I wanted to be an innovator,” says Lauren. “I’ve watched my dad in his business; he has a vision. I’ve seen how he’s a leader in his company.” Lauren’s own vision started at an early age. When she was 16 years old, her father wanted to name a perfume after her, but she told him that she wanted to reserve her name for when she built her own brand. “I love the name my parents gave me and I knew I wanted to see it on a door one day,” says Lauren.
world. She’d bring back candy and fill the shelves of her room with them. “However, I never came across a really fun candystore and decided I wanted to open my own Disneyland or Willy Wonkalike store that offers candy from around the world. I wanted to create a pop culture with candy,” says Lauren. “I still have shelves full of candy from around the world that inspire me,” says Lauren. Her personal favorites include marshmallow, gummy candies, and anything red. “I love red candy. Red gumballs, red gummies, red licorice. And Cadbury crème eggs!” Candy has definitely played a major part in a lot of aspects in Lauren’s life. Her husband, hedge-fund manager Paul Arrouet, proposed to her on the beach in the Hamptons spelling out “You are my It Girl” with It candy bars. “It was very romantic,” says Lauren. On the topic of romance, Lauren is one who loves Valentine’s Day. “It’s an opportunity to create a special day or night for the person you love that comes from the heart.” Lauren helps couples create a special Valentine’s Day at her flagship stores’ cafés. “It’s a great date place,” says Lauren. “Couples can even go with their kids.” For Valentine’s Day, the stores are decked out in the holiday’s theme and the cafés offer menus featuring candy cocktails, such as their signature cotton candy cloud or chocolate cocktails, along with over-the-top desserts like molten chocolate cake and 10-scoop sundaes.
It’s not just her sweet personality that drove her to build a business around sugary confections. “While fashion is something that inspires me, the fashion industry was never my thing. I wanted to start a business around something I love and I’ve always loved candy. I love the look and the packaging,” says Lauren. “My father started his business with a tie and I guess I started mine with a chocolate bar.” From her travels while studying abroad in London, Lauren started to curate a collection of candy from around the FEBRUARY 2016 | NEW YORK LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE | 13