Owner Louise Leclerc is seen in the doorway of the former bank vault, now home to a treasure trove of sweet treats. Thompson Goddard Photo

IROQUOIS – Walking into Violet’s Vault in the old Bank of Montreal located at 23 Plaza Drive in Iroquois, there is no doubt left that you are in a store where treats of all kinds are a top priority for owner Louise Leclerc.

Of special interest is the old bank vault full of beautifully displayed candy items. Leclerc mentioned when she was searching for a location, she loved the idea of the old bank in Iroquois, and she noted how “the vault did it for me. When I was young, I used candy as currency.”

The business, which opened its doors on June 28, currently has candy of all shapes and sizes for people to look over and purchase. In addition to candy, she mentioned that Violet’s Vault offers, ice cream, paninis and bubble tea, and arcade machines will be available soon. For those wondering, bubble tea originated in Taiwan and is generally made of sweetened tea, milk and chewy tapioca balls known as boba and can come in many flavours.

Leclerc explained she began the business for several reasons including the ability to have her children work with her, mentioning “my youngest is on the autism spectrum and is non-verbal. I wanted to have a business where she can work with me when she is older.” When asked about the advantages of running a business, she said it was the ability to provide employment to your children or family members.

The store is quite spacious with people able to comfortably check out the candy selections, or perhaps order up an ice-cream treat. After choosing the location, she said, one of the challenges faced was how to “use the whole space and make this atmosphere of family fun.” It took a lot of planning to set up the space, to let customers move with ease and suggests anyone hoping to open a business to be ready to make lots of plans and to be able to change these plans when needed.

Leclerc has certainly been able to create a family friendly atmosphere in Violet’s Vault, as customers are greeted with a smile and can decide which treat to purchase without being rushed. More information can be found on the Facebook page or website at www.violetsvault.ca.

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