As the Chief Confectionery Officer of The Candy Lab, Ilyse Shapiro has transformed her lifelong passion for business into a sweet success story that’s as much about building confidence in children as it is about creating edible art.

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Celebrating exceptional local women making significant impacts in our community.

Our 2024 Women of Influence Award Winners were nominated by peers and selected by the Family Focus Media team based on their achievements and dedication to creating positive change, as revealed through comprehensive questionnaires. Their profiles showcase their inspiring journeys and accomplishments.

Beyond the awards, our Women of Influence Luncheons and Speed Networking Night attendees form our growing “Women of Influence Network,” a community fostering connections, collaboration, and mutual support. We invite you to explore our Award Winners’ stories and leverage our Network Directory in the Women of Influence Guide. Reach out to fellow members to harness the power of our network through shared growth and support. For further engagement, we welcome business and nonprofit leaders to join our Family Focus Media Community Builders Group on Facebook and our NEW Women of Influence LinkedIn Group.

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Nominated by Jonathan Shapiro, Husband

Ilyse’s entrepreneurial journey began early. “As a young child she walked door to door selling homemade macrame plant holders and even charged neighborhood children to a puppet show,” Jonathan shares. This early spark of business acumen has fueled a career marked by innovation, adaptability, and a commitment to making a positive impact.

After earning her BBA and MBA from Temple University, Ilyse’s career path took her through various sectors, each step building upon her skills and vision. From founding Let’s Be Direct LLC in 2004 to creating MyPartTimePRO.com, a job search website for professionals seeking part-time employment, Ilyse has consistently identified needs in the market and created solutions.

The Candy Lab: A Sweet Vision for Community Impact

Ilyse’s latest venture, The Candy Lab, is perhaps her most inspiring yet. “The Candy Lab is for kids who’ve been disenfranchised because of COVID,” Ilyse explains. “The workshop is a place where we help children express their creativity in a nonjudgmental space and provide positive encouragement in order to build confidence and self-esteem.”

This innovative approach to combining creativity, entrepreneurship, and community support showcases Ilyse’s ability to adapt her business acumen to address current societal needs. Her vision extends beyond the present, with plans to franchise The Candy Lab in 2024, potentially spreading its positive impact to more communities.

Giving Back: The Halloween Helpers

Ilyse’s commitment to community can be seen through initiatives that extend beyond business ventures. Together with her daughter Emma Rose, she founded The Halloween Helpers, a nonprofit that provides Halloween costumes to children worldwide. “2023 was the organization’s 15th year in business. It has distributed more than 20,000 costumes,” Ilyse proudly shares. This initiative not only brings joy to children but also teaches valuable lessons about giving back and social responsibility.

Overcoming Obstacles with Self-Belief

When asked about obstacles she has faced, Ilyse’s response is telling of her character: “Believe in yourself! I believe in myself and my vision 110%. Once I share my vision with others, and they see that I am level-headed, it’s not too hard to convince the naysayers!”

This unwavering self-belief has been a driving force behind Ilyse’s success, allowing her to take risks and embrace challenges. Her ability to sell MyPartTimePRO.com during the 2008 economic downturn is a testament to her resilience and business acumen.

Mentorship and Empowerment

Ilyse strives to influence the next generation of entrepreneurs. “I continue to mentor my teenage staff by helping them choose colleges and career paths that bring them the most happiness and success,” she says. This commitment to nurturing young talent aligns perfectly with her vision for The Candy Lab as a space for building confidence and creativity in young people.

A Family-Centered Approach

Balancing multiple roles and responsibilities is a challenge Ilyse meets with a unique philosophy: “Everyone in my family plays a role in the others’ success. There’s no me, only we. None of us has their own role, we all step in and work together to achieve a rewarding end result that moves our family forward.”

Looking to the Future

As she looks to the future, Ilyse’s goals remain ambitious and community-focused. “My goal is to make The Candy Lab as successful as possible through franchising and/or private equity,” she states. This vision speaks to both her sharp business skills and her desire to spread the positive impact of The Candy Lab to more communities.

Ilyse Shapiro’s journey is a testament to the power of entrepreneurial spirit, community engagement, and unwavering self-belief. From her early days of selling macrame plant holders to her current role as Chief Confectionery Officer, Ilyse has consistently demonstrated the ability to identify needs, create innovative solutions, and positively impact her community. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and a reminder of the sweet success that comes from combining passion with purpose.