Gift Biz Unwrapped | Women Entrepreneurs | Bakers, Crafters, Makers | Startup

David Levine and his wife, Melissa, are the proud and smiling owners of Illinois Nut & Candy, Home of Fantasia Confections. It’s been eleven years since they purchased the business. The couple can take credit for sweet success thanks to conscious, thorough and even ingenious branding efforts. David realized that to distinguish his company from other candy companies he needed branding that not only differentiated his candy business from his competition, but differentiated his clients from their competition too. David began his plan with a memorable ending: he closed every conversation with his now famous, “Have a sweet day!” And when people asked how the business was doing, it was (and remains) “sweet!” Eventually, David earned a name change and another claim to fame…Fox Business dubbed him the “Kosher Willy Wonka.” This was all the inspiration he needed to invest in a complete Willy Wonka Costume. He now shows up at select networking events adorned in the purple top coat with all the trimmings. He is