MILWAUKEE — A Milwaukee man recently opened a one of a kind candy store on Milwaukee’s North Side. 

Owner Donta Holmes is hoping Clarke Street Candy Land serves as a safe space for children to come enjoy something sweet. 

The store is located in the historic Lindsay Heights neighborhood in Milwaukee. Holmes grew up in the city, just a few blocks away from where his store now stands.

He was inspired to open his own candy store, after noticing that kids didn’t really have a safe place they can go to in the neighborhood.  

“I wanted to put something nice in the community,” said Holmes. “Something that parents would be ok sending their kids too.” 

Holmes said having this space is a full circle moment for him. He worked as a youth mentor with the Running Rebels community organization for 15 years.

He also spent lots of time there as a child with his own mentor, Victor Barnett.

“I think Donta is a perfect example of how things are supposed to work,” said Barnett, executive director and founder of Running Rebels, Victor Barnett. “To have him go from a little kid, be a part of what we did at Running Rebels, and to now being an entrepreneur… it’s just something special.”

Barnett said Holmes was always an ambitious and helpful child. He always knew Holmes would bring something great to the city. 

Holmes opened up the shop four months ago. He’s hoping to gain more community support this year.

He also wants to make a positive impact in the community with his sweet treats, bright colored store, and a welcoming smile.

“My slogan is making life a little sweeter,” said Holmes. “Hopefully people can come in and get some candy and not think so much about the negative things that’s going on out here and just be a little happier.”  

Holmes hopes his shop will eventually become a community staple that sticks around for years to come. 

“Things come and go,” he said. “I want to be here for a while.”

Visit https://www.candylandmke.com/ for more.