Welcome to our Small Business Corner where we chat about some of Northern Michigan's greatest little "slices of Heaven." That's exactly what you'll find in this week's feature, actually; almost literal slices of Heaven, otherwise known as Candy World's homemade fudge!

If you've lived in Northern Michigan for very long you've probably heard about the award-winning 45th Parallel Cafe and Candy World, located in Suttons Bay, Michigan. 

As soon as you step foot in the door you will enter a wonderful little world of candy, fudge, and days gone by. The likes of Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Motown Groups drift into the shop, carrying you away to yester-year. The scent of fudge and fine chocolates waft through the air and leave your mouth watering. 

While the fudge and chocolates are anything but ordinary (i.e. the apples covered in a mountain of fudge and caramel!), they're not the only treats you'll want to check out! Candy World is known for their nostalgic candies, such as Charleston Chews and Clark Bars. They also have the most excellent gourmet popcorn, covered in dark and white chocolate, perfectly marrying 'sweet and salty'. You'll find a wall of Jelly Beans, many varieties of imported chocolate bars, and even sugar-free candies!

Candy World is literally steps away from the ever-excellent 45th Parallel Cafe. Stop in for breakfast or lunch in the cafe and then pop right into the doorway of the candy store! You can visit in person at 104 W Broadway in Suttons Bay.

While the store is always welcoming and an excellent way to spend your time in the 'pinky', never fear if you are an out-of-towner! Visit www.45thfudge.com or call 231-271-2255 and you can have fudge and other incredible treats shipped right to your home. Candy World even offers corporate gifts! 

Whether you shop online or in person, the second you take that first taste of your decadent, gourmet goody, you'll see why we think 45th Parallel's Candy World is a little slice of Heaven.

Supporting local businesses is important to us at Laura Crowe Photography. If you are a small business owner in Northern Michigan, please consider booking a commercial session with us, and be featured on our Small Business Blog! Send us a message (see "About/Contact") and we would love to help you upgrade your current marketing images!

Our very first little slice of Heaven is nestled behind Life Church in Downtown Gaylord, MI. Many a happy client have been served gorgeous bouquets at Flowers by Evelyn over the past thirty or so years, and a change in location has only made the experience a little sweeter!

In 2010, Nicole Bradstreet began working for Evelyn Peterson, the original owner, after previously working for several years in banking. It was a new career path and she loved it. By 2012, Mrs. Peterson realized she would like to retire, leaving a door open for Nicole to purchase the longstanding company. After establishing herself as the new owner, Nicole decided it was time to purchase her own building, and move the company to Elm Street. 

Flowers by Evelyn does what any good flower shop should do: it cheers you up instantly, thanks to Nicole. I hurried into the store after a stressful morning of hauling my three year old twins for forty-five minutes in a blizzard, to the uplifting sight of this bright and colorful shop. Of course, I was greeted with a calming smile by Nicole and her helpful staff. 

After browsing the shop with my camera, I stopped to listen to Nicole talk about the store. She patiently assembled a bouquet of vibrant salmon and soft pink roses, and it was evident she truly assembles each creation with love. Equal to her passion for creating the perfect arrangement is Nicole's passion for serving her customers at a personal level.

"Arrangements aren't just arrangements; I need to meet someone [first]. There has to be a purpose," she said. "I love working with the people. Putting into design what somebody else is envisioning..."

It quickly became clear to me that no matter what occasion you are shopping for at Flowers by Evelyn, be it romantic, exciting, or even sorrowful, you will always walk out of the store with a little more joy (and an amazing arrangement)!

Valentines Day is coming up and I want to highly recommend calling Nicole at Flowers by Evelyn for your flower arrangement gifts. You can find them at their new location: 117 N Elm Ave, Gaylord, or call at (989) 732-6227. 
You can also visit their website at: http://flowersbyevelyn.co/ or Facebook page at:  https://www.facebook.com/flowersbye/. 

Visit Flowers by Evelyn and you'll see for yourself why I think it's a little slice of Heaven.

​Supporting local businesses is important to us at Laura Crowe Photography. If you are a small business owner in Northern Michigan, please consider booking a commercial session with us, and be featured on our Small Business Blog! Send us a message (see side-bar) and we would love to help you upgrade your current marketing images!

LCP is proud to now offer commercial photography for small businesses in Northern Michigan! This coming week we are completing our first two commercial shoots and are greatly looking forward to sharing with you some of our favorite businesses in Northern Michigan. 

If you are a small business owner who would like to partner with LCP in upgrading your current marketing images, please submit a request in the submission form to the right (or email [email protected]) for more information.

What all is included in a commercial shoot with Laura Crowe Photography?

We will develop a simple plan with you prior the shoot regarding what you're hoping to highlight about your business. Most shoots will last around 30 minutes to one hour, though it can take longer depending on the scale of your shoot (number of people and products involved). You will have the usage and printing rights to any images included in your package, as well as the option to purchase more once you receive your proofs gallery.

We are looking forward to sharing our first locations with you soon!

​LCP Team