Sweets on High, a candy store in downtown Wadsworth, has expanded their business to a second location, Sugar Socials, which they rent out most days. Both locations are owned by Lillian Turano and her family. The Turano’s work to keep their businesses growing and to make the days of many people of all ages as they look around at the nostalgic candies and treats.

“I’m the proprietor of both spaces but everyone in the family helps out,” Turano said.

Sugar Socials is located at 197 Great Oaks Trail by TK Nails, Turano has had the space since April. The purpose of this space is to have social gatherings that are ticketed events like cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus. They have had events in the past like bingo night. Although Sugar Social’s main importance is to host events, they also use the space to package candy and have extra space for their sweets. 

Turano started her journey with a freeze dryer which she uses to freeze-dry candies such as Skittles and give them out to friends and family. Later, she realized how much she was selling and decided to work up to her first store Sweets on High. 

She first gained a following on Facebook making small videos of fun, budget-friendly hacks used to decorate their store. This helped lead to a successful opening and left Turano happy and excited to grow.

“It’s funny when I look back on the videos and pictures from our first day of opening,” Turano said. “I thought we had so much candy and so much going on, and now when I look at it, I’m like, oh my word, there was like nothing in the store.”

Gianna Turano is Lillian Turano’s daughter, a senior at Wadsworth High School, and works at Sweets on High and Sugar Socials when she can. Gianna Turano helps her mother host events at Sugar Socials and has played and been involved in the bingo nights.

“I actually played bingo, I stayed and called the numbers,” Gianna Turano said. “We have a hot cocoa bar, and we have a popcorn machine that my parents set up most of the time.”

Lillian Turano hopes to expand her family business more and maybe one day own Sugar Socials to always be open to the public.

“It’s been super fun,” Gianna Turano said. “I think it’s a great opportunity for me and my family and for Wadsworth in general.”