Another sweet spot opens in Ballard

Geeky Swedes Ballard

Ballard just keeps getting sweeter.

Just a few weeks ago Blackbird opened their candy shop on the corner by Bergen Place Park. Now there’s another candy shop just around the corner. Duque Salon & Spa unveiled their sweet section this month. Giovanna Duque says that she’s been working on this for the last eight months and is carrying candy from the past like wax lips, candy cigarettes and zotz. Earlier this week she tweeted, “The cutest little old lady found her favorite candy when she was a kid in our candy store. My heart overflows with joy watching her delight.” (Thanks Nicole!)

Geeky Swedes

The founders of My Ballard

69 thoughts to “Another sweet spot opens in Ballard”

  4. I never felt the need to eat the wax bit, so I couldn't tell ya. We used to just bite off an opening and spit it out. It was the goo inside that we wanted.

  10. I'm all for it. Kids want the fare at Bartell's anyway.

    I support their no kid ways!

    Now, can we have a stroller free hour at the Farmer's Market now?

  11. That's exactly what I was thinking! I won't even go in there because I think it's kind of rude to discriminate just because I have kids…

  14. Probably when there are 50 people with them in a small space and 1/3 of them are the double wides, it gets really crowded really fast?
    I dunno, I don't really ever go to the Farmer's Market, but when my son was still in elementary school, it got so you couldn't walk down the halls after schools for all the strollers.

  18. I guess I'm confused about the issue with strollers. Are people not supposed to have babies, or just not supposed to take them anywhere? Sit at home til their grown?

  19. No one is discriminating against anyone. I did point out the chip on your shoulder. Inside voices please.

    I believe a one hour stroller free hour was mentioned. That won't happen. But it is worth pondering, why so defensive? Some strollers are mighty large, including my double-wide. If I had to give the stroller free crowd their pram free hour, who am I to argue.

    Oh, never mind, don't answer. It's my turn to give the twins a bath, gotta run.

  21. Now that's a ridiculous statement Tasty. No one said you're not supposed to take them anywhere. Just leave the stroller at home! Use a baby or child carrier.

  22. I loathe strollers and seldom used one when my kid was small. A backpack and a few cloth diapers in a purse is all anyone needs.

  24. No way, get out there and show them the world, that's how they learn. “Those” who don't want to be around “them” can go elsewhere. If we start discriminating against those with kids, then who? Hmmm… Haven't we been here before?

  26. I'm glad that you were able to make it sans stroller – however, many of us cannot. When you've got one kid walking, and one not walking, a stroller is really the only way to go. Try to remember that just because it worked for you – doesn't mean it works for everyone.

  27. I'm with you. I used a stroller for my kid a handful of times, and got rid of it pretty much as soon as he started learning to walk. I never missed that thing for a second.

  28. Oh, and of course strollers are very useful for some people, but it has been my observation that it might not be the best idea to take them everywhere. They just take up too much space sometimes, or can be hard to manuever or navigate around.

  29. I have to say, I have 3 kids. Yet I still believe most people with strollers are a-holes. I own a business, and people bring strollers that are oversized into the store and repeatedly bang into the furnishings. They dontt move from their path when walking around greenlake, even if your puppy is acting crazed on his leash because of the damn squrrels. I had 3 in strollers, and it didn't entitle me to anything. Same for everyone.. I am not anti-kid, I am anti-self centeredness. Strollers dont = entitlement, and I have enough experience to know that common courtesy is possible both with a stroller and without.

  31. Most people with strollers are a-holes? Are you kidding me? I'm the one getting bashed on here, yet, no one takes offense to this kind of blanket statement?

    Sorry guys, I refuse to be berated and belittled just because I put my kid in a stroller. Let me know what you” business” is, and I'll make sure to never go there.

  32. Wow. I can't believe this string. I'm embarassed to be reading it, but I just couldn't stop. Are you all debating the right to “strollering”? Jesus. Shame on you strollering parents for caring what anyone on this blog thinks, and shame on you anti-strollerists for picking up such a waste of an issue. Next time you have a problem with a stroller, I invite you to let the parent know right there and then, not hiding behind a blog. Oh wait! I've just contributed to the ridiculousness of this blog…please disregard.

  33. Haha, yea.. I believe that was an unintended hijacking! The kind that tend to keep going for no apparent reason. GRRR, STROLLERS! o.O

  34. Zotz!?!? Oh man, I loved those terrible candies when I was a little tike! I can't imagine how caustic those things would taste to me now. Only one way to find out. Anyone know how the prices are in this fancy adult candy store? It has the Blackbird name… does it have the prices?

  36. You guys got duque all wrong. I get my hair done there and am very grateful that I do not have to worry about kids running around causing a rukus. It is usually my only hour or two to myself away from my kids. That is the reason duque has set it up so kids are not allowed in the shop. It's a salon and spa where you get relaxing services sans annoying kids. I can speak freely too as I have 2 of my own. They are not angels, but are also under my watchful eye in public, unlike a lot of brats and careless parents out there. I am grateful duque has set it up this way.

  38. Hello Community,
    I happen to write the no child policy at duque. Our family intended for it to HONOR all the moms out there. Being mothers ourselves we know how hard (yet gratifying) the job can be. Our space was created for moms to ESCAPE to. It was meant as a way of serving our community. In no way do we discriminate. We love children and celebrate our clients miracles as they are born. I am so sad this is not communicating and that the haters are so BRUTAL in their misjudgement of the situation and us.
    As far as the candy store goes, it was created as a way of appealing to all five adult senses. It completes our brand. The idea was “sweets for your sweetheart”, a great addition to gift basket purchases, a way of helping to get your guy out of the doghouse, or conjure up a romantic experience. You may certainly buy the candy ($7.99 per pound ) for anyone you choose, including your children.
    I hope this helps to explain our commitment to our community…and from the sounds of this thread maybe some of you should check us out for a service and check yourself out for a while. You seem so stressed out. I mean really are we going to get this upset if some chooses to use a stroller???????? Let's play nice!

    Stay beautiful, Giovanna
    P.S. Mention this thread at the time of scheduling and we'll even give you 1/2 0ff of your service of choice just for leaving the kids at home and spending some time with our family.

  42. I think Tasty was referring to Duque's policy of no children. I don't have a problem with that policy as they want a spa-like atmosphere or whatever – but I think it's amusing that they opened a candy counter and don't allow kiddos.

    it's their biz and they can decide not to allow kids – thus I've never been able to go in to look at the clothes as I've often got a kid (sometimes with a stroller and sometimes not). But if you don't want my money – that's cool. Another excuse to keep it in my pocket.

  44. Perhaps rephrasing your sign may help. I've always found that sign off-putting and choose not to shop in your store because of it. You have to admit, selling candy in your place is just a wee bit ironic, no?

  46. I agree. Without having read her response above (which was great, BTW, and I completely get it…) the sign has ALWAYS been off-putting. I've even talked to other moms about it as well.

    As fabulous as it is to have a place to go without the kids (and I'm looking forward to ONE day experiencing that, LOL!) many times we moms have our kids in tow – it's just the way that it is. And when I walk by your store, I'm often taken aback at the sign and how I'm not allowed in because I'm a mom and have kids. You have cute things – it would be nice to take a look, but alas, I can't! I've got kids!

    I completely understand what you are saying – but truly – what salons have kids running around? I've NEVER witnessed that before! Was there really a need to say that kids aren't allowed in the salon?

    Again, it's your business and I understand what you are trying to achieve, just be aware that it's extremely touchy to a lot of us moms who always have our kids. And now with the addition of the candy store…it just adds to the confusion!

  47. Personally, I have been in salons (average priced and high end) where one or more kids was running wild and it wasn't fun (and seemed dangerous for the kids, too). I've also been in a salon chair and had my assigned stylist completely ignore me and talk to everyone around me instead once I answered her small-talk question and revealed – gasp – I don't had kids.

    I'm not anti-kid or anti-mom (being a good mom is hard work and I applaud all those out there doing their best bringing up these great little people). I guess the great divide that comes up sounding so pro-kid/parent or anti with no grey areas makes me wince a bit. I'm glad to see this thread move into at least a friendlier and more positive path with open discussion and suggestions coming from all.

  48. just so everyone can get an idea of the alleged offensive sign, here is what it says:

    “About the little ones…due to the delicate nature of our business, we ask that children not be brought into the salon spa and boutique.”

    Now how offensive really is that? Does it say kids suck? Does it say Moms with kids suck? No. Stop being so uptight.

  49. It's not that the wording of the sign itself is offensive – . It's more the fact that it bothers me that I can't go in there because I always have my kids with me. No one likes to be excluded, right? No big deal, I just don't go there, but, yes, the sign offends me. I'm excluded because I'm a mom. Simple as that. Obviously Duque does just fine without my business, but yes, I'm still offended!

  50. Hello Again Community,
    It's me Giovanna once more. Thank you so much for your invaluable feedback. I really appreciate the time each of you has taken to respond. I am wondering if you might go one step further. Since some of you found the sign offensive, do you have any suggestions as to how I might ask moms to visit without their children in tow?
    Imagine that you are paying your babysitter her going rate so that you can have a RELAXING salon and spa experience. In walks a mom with her children and the running, crying or screaming begins, changing the entire space and your experience.
    Now the question, which mom do I honor?????????? The one who needed a relaxing few hours away from her life, or the mom who feels she is entitled to bring her children with her, regardless? Our family chose the mom who needed the break from it all. How should I say this in order to NOT offend any of you moms out there?

  51. Honestly, that response really offended me! Not all moms have children that are running, crying and screaming. That's an assumption. And what do you mean by moms feeling “entitled to bring her children with her”? Entitled? Are you SERIOUS?

    Look, it's your business. You've chosen to have clientelle who either have no kids, or who feel comfortable leaving their children at home. I RESPECT that 100%! I would never in a million years bring my children to a hair or spa appointment with me, it simply makes no sense. I've been to many ghih end salons/spas in my 35 years, and honestly I've never once come across anyone who brought children!

    It just seemed odd to me that you have a storefront, not just a salon, and your sign does sting when we can't even come in with our kids to look around. And it makes it even more bizarre when you add a candy store, which most people would equate with kids.

    You are a business owner and you have every right to run your business as you see fit. No matter what you do you are going to offend SOMEONE. NO big deal. I wish you much success in these trying economic times.

  54. Have you ever, EVER been to any other STORE with a sign on the door that excludes children? I never have. And as for bringing kids to the salon, that should be common knowledge. I'll say it again, I have NEVER seen children at a salon or spa. And there was never any sign excluding them.

  56. Perhaps you are taking it too personally.
    Just because you would never DREAM of taking your children into the salon doesn't mean other people wouldn't.
    Many people DO take their children into the salon with them, and unfortunately, even well behaved children subconsciously take advantage of the fact that their parent is trapped in the chair, unable to have control as they usually might.
    Also unfortunately, some people have to be told that this is not okay in this particular situation. I have not been into this store, but also if they not only are trying to maintain a quiet, relaxing atmosphere, but have high end products, perhaps they have had bad experiences in the past with other people shopping with their children who were not as watchful as you, and who damaged their merchandise.
    We are not all the same, and not everyone has the best judgment all the time.
    And if the front of this place is a store (not obviously a spa) wouldn't it be easy for someone to mistakenly wander in with children? I wouldn't take children into a shop with expensive or fragile things, but it wouldn't occur to everyone that it might not be the best idea.
    You live in a community that is filled with all sorts of people, and sometimes rules have to be made for the lowest common denominator. You don't have to assume that you are being targeted specifically.

  57. One point that no one has made is it is not a kid friendly candy store. Everyting is glass and a child can't even touch the jars and get involved in their selection. It's all hands-off which is no fun for kids! Everyone knows hands on experience for kids is an exciting way to learn about the word. I would never take my 3 year old in to the store. Walgreens candy is just fine every once in a while.

  58. I guess my polite responses don't usually include so many caps & exclamation marks, capped off with a snarky comment about the economic times. My mistake.

  59. Yikes. I'm new to responding to people online and had no idea that punctuation and caps would be taken the wrong way. Obviously you can read into my “intent” however you choose, but I actually meant the last comment whole heartedly. Ballard is losing small business every single day. It wasn't an attempt to be snarky in the slightest.

    The salon/store is obviously doing just fine – they've been around forever.

    Anyway – perhaps I need to do some reading online as to how to respond on blogs without offending.

  61. @tasyviddles You keep speaking of this so called common knowledge but the last time I went out into the world, there were few people I encountered with common sense. Also what may be common to you may not be common to someone else.

    You are exactly the entitled person Giovanna talks about. Think about it.

  62. It's as simple as this:
    I'm a mom, I have kids; a sign asking me not to enter a store offended me. Not just me, but many other moms as well. Is Duque still doing fine? Yes. I doubt they miss the business.

    Is it confusing that a store that insists on having no kids inside opens a candy store? Yes. Beyond weird, IMHO.

    I've never been to a spa/salon/or store that has a sign on the front door asking kids to stay out. Habitude is also a store/salon/spa and no where do I see a sign asking for kids to stay out.

    It's odd. You can argue about it all you want, but it's still odd. Any other stores you can think of that do the same thing? I'll bet not.

    I'm saddened that so many of you are so negative. First off, someone comments that we should do away with strollers (an obvious jab at mothers with strollers) and many people jump on the bandwagon. Then most people with strollers are idiots. Then most people don't have common sense – read all your own comments, people. This is the most pessimistic, sad bunch of people excited about a candy store for no kids that I've ever seen!

  63. If i were you tasty, i would probably find another hobby. you kind of suck at this one.

    honestly, i don't like duque because i know some people who work there and think they are stuck up, but i'm definitely with dookie on this one.

  64. It was clearly written that this candy store was not for shildren. Read Giovanna's original post. You are arguing a moot point. Over and over I might add.

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