Dylan Lauren always knew that she wanted to start something – to create a brand, to bring a vision to reality. At her sixth birthday party, she saw the movie Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, and was awed by the fantasy created in that film. According to Dylan, candy has been a constant force throughout her life, and fueled her successes, since “stressed spelled backwards is desserts”. After completing her education in art history and film, Dylan knew that she had to decide what to do with the rest of her life. She started an event planning business, but realized it wasn't her greatest passion. Even while planning events, she kept convincing her clients to use candy as a theme or decoration for their event. Following her parents' advice to follow her passion – Dylan wove together her creativity, entrepreneurial spirit and love of candy to create Dylan's Candy Bar, a “confectionary emporium and lifestyle brand.” Scheduled to open in New York in October 2001, Dylan Lauren wasn't sure if the store would make it – especially after the shocking terror attacks of September 2001. Would New Yorkers want candy? On the store's opening day, customers streamed into the store, which was packed. They thanked Dylan personally for creating a place of pure happiness – a celebration of joy and imagination, just like her childhood inspiration Willy Wonka. With a mission to awaken the creative spirit and inner child in everyone, Dylan's Candy Bar surrounds its customers with the most imaginative, state of the art decor and product mix. By merging the worlds of art, fashion and pop culture with candy, Dylan Lauren has innovated the way we see candy today. In addition to the 7,000 edible treats, there are also candy-inspired lifestyle products. From stationary to technology, toys to plush, jewelry to handbags, scented body lotions to sweaters, Dylan’s Candy Bar cures any fashion craving. Today, Dylan's Candy Bar has stores across the country and has distribution in luxury and hip boutiques, department stores and hotels in America and internationally. The flagship store in New York City remains one of the top 10 tourist attractions in New York since its inception, welcoming over 2.5 million visitors per year. She was honored as the 2013 Entrepreneur of the Year by the Women's Initiative for Self-Employment. As any creative entrepreneur, Dylan Lauren continues to expand her brand creatively through partnerships and distribution agreements. However she's not finished. In addition to her mission to awaken the inner child in every person, Dylan also wants to impact humans' best friends – our animals. Dylan wants to continue her work in rescuing and providing safe haven for animals, and eventually open an animal shelter.

Source: http://www.forbes.com/2010/06/21/billionaire-heiress-interview-ralph-lauren-dylan.html