February 11, 2025 • 22 mins
With the sweetest holiday coming up Friday, Valentine’s Day, it’s the perfect time to catch up with my dear pal Dylan Lauren who has created a candy empire while also continuing her passionate work for animals in need, especially rabbits!
EPISODE NOTES: Our Valentine’s Day Special Guest, Candy Queen, Dylan Lauren
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/rappaport-to-the-rescue-on-pet-life-radio-petliferadio-com--6667849/support.
EPISODE NOTES: Our Valentine’s Day Special Guest, Candy Queen, Dylan Lauren
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/rappaport-to-the-rescue-on-pet-life-radio-petliferadio-com--6667849/support.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:02):
This is Pet Life Radio. Let's talk Pets.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Wrap Aport to the Rescue with award winning animal advocate,
best selling author, journalist, and pet products creator Jill Rappaport.
Speaker 1 (00:21):
Hi, Welcome to rapp Before to the Rescue. I'm Jill Rappafort.
We've got a great show coming up today with my
dear pal Dylan Lauren. After all, Valentine's Day is just
around the corner, so she will talk all things sweets,
including her big heart for animals and need. But first
I want to reach out to you to ask you
to please not only consider adopting an animal now, but
(00:43):
even more important, I am begging you to please consider fostering.
We need fosters so badly now, and you are the
bridge between hell and heaven. And I really mean that
if you will your heart and home to an animal
in need, just for a temporary period so they can
(01:05):
get used to the kind, gentle touch of a human being,
you will make such a huge difference in that animal's
lives because you will make them more viable for adoption.
So please consider fostering. It is such a rewarding, heartfelt,
wonderful thing to do, especially when you see that they
go on to find their forever home. Most people like
(01:27):
me become foster fails and end up adopting them. But
we need you to help now. Thank you so much,
all right, when we come back. Dylan Lauren, you know her,
she's the daughter of Ralph Lauren. She gives so much
of her time and energy to animals in need, especially bunnies,
and that goodness and her sweetness explains why she's truly
(01:50):
the candy Queen. Dylan Lauren. When we come back.
Speaker 2 (01:57):
You know the expression kats have not lives? Well, what
if you can give them one more? But give them ten?
Movement is on a mission to help give cats an
extra life. How with spee and neoter, Spain or nootering
your cat helps them live a longer, healthier life, and
it helps control free roaming cat populations too. Learn more
(02:21):
about the benefits of spee and neoter and meet Scooter,
the neutered cat at Give Them ten dot org. That's
give them ten dot org.
Speaker 1 (02:35):
Let's talk past let's radio headline radio at light radio
dot com. Welcome back to Rapaport to the Rescue. I'm
Joe Rappaport, and if you know anything about me, you
know I'm a little obsessed with candy. Chocolate is my
(02:57):
life and my dentist is so appreciative of that. So
needless to say, my two favorite holidays are Halloween and
Valentine's Day because if people are feeling generous and happy
and they're grateful for my friendship, I get a lot
of chocolate. So I am so thrilled to have my
pale Dylan Louren. I refer to her in the open
as the Candy Queen. Of course you know her from
(03:19):
Dylan's Candy Bar. She is amazing what she has created
in the world of confectionery and chocolates and sweets and
jelly beans. Just talking to her gets me high. Dylan,
I'm so excited to have you back on Rappaport to
the rescue.
Speaker 3 (03:35):
Thank you. I'm excited to be here to an honor.
Speaker 1 (03:38):
Oh well, first of all, the last time we chatted
was Easter, which I should have mentioned was probably my
third favorite holiday, because we always check in with you,
not only because you are truly the candy Queen, but
also your heart is as big as your business for
animals in need. You are sweetness extraordinary. I want to
(04:00):
find out first with Valentine's day coming up this Friday.
What's going on in your world? You are the queen
of it.
Speaker 3 (04:08):
Well, it's funny Valentine's Day, you know, should be every
day in terms of gift giving and candy giving, and
you know, but it does always help in the candy
business that that's a you know, a great sort of
treat to give anyone, any age. So you know, at
Dylan's Candy Bar, we have created things for you know, grandparents,
you know, spouses, kids, you know, partners, whatever it is,
(04:31):
and in every kind of candy food group. So we're
very excited. And we also have a collaboration with love
Shack Fancy, which is one of several, you know, collaborations
we have with lifestyle brands who also focus on fashion,
art or pop culture. So a lot of the fans
of love Shack Fancy and Dylan's Candy Bar have been
(04:52):
already buying like those items, which are you know, sort
of floral pattern cakes and you know, chocolate bars and
jam jars with gummies in them. Is really cool. So
it's a bunch of stuff that's really yummy and fun.
Speaker 1 (05:06):
Well, what always blows me away about you? And for
those of you have seen Dylan over the years. Obviously,
she's the daughter of my favorite designer, Ralph Lauren, and
we have to talk about your dad's incredible honor just
recently at the White House. We're going to get into
that in the moment. But meanwhile, if you see Dylan,
she looks like one of Ralph's models. She's absolutely gorgeous.
(05:28):
Ral Finn Dylan, how do you do it?
Speaker 3 (05:30):
Oh? You know, I love candy, and a lot of
our customers love candy. But you know, it's everything in
moderation and also just knowing, like you know, the workout
is important, you know, not just physically but mentally. I
just went snowshoeing because it snows here recently, and just
you know, knowing that, you know, if you do have
(05:52):
some overindulgement around Valentine's there the Super Bowl which just
hit you know, the next day, have a lot of protein,
drink a lot of water, try to balance it out.
I mean, if there's no candy in your life, no sweets,
like then buy a candy robe or a candy blanket
or something with the beautiful colors of candy to make
you happy if you're trying to not eat it. But
(06:12):
and we carry all the fun things. But I just
think it's okay everything in moderation.
Speaker 1 (06:17):
And you've passed that philosophy onto your own twins, you
allow that to indulg.
Speaker 3 (06:22):
Yeah, And I believe it's important to kind of give
a little space, like especially you know, things like trick
or treating or a Halloween and again, everything in moderation.
But I do think when you withhold, it actually makes
it more tempting for children, especially to want more. And
I find like sometimes my daughter or my son, they're like, Mom,
you're eating too much marshmallow fluff. That's enough. Hot, you know,
(06:45):
where's your your vegetables? Like, because I also talk you
know that side, which is I like health and nutrition.
But again because I know how to eat healthfully, I
also love my candies and my gummies, so I do
it both and they see that.
Speaker 1 (07:00):
And how much of an influence did your parents have
on you? I mean considering you grew up in this
incredible world of fashion and design, and you know it's
all about you know, how you wear the clothes, and
let's be honest then was in it was all about
staying as fit as possible. So how did your parents
navigate you in sweets?
Speaker 3 (07:20):
Well, I do know that my mom has a major
swite doo and she loves her stashes of chocolate and
peanut m and ms. And my dad as well, he
likes his Twizzlers, licorices and his you know, he likes
the butter crunch, and we all indulge in candy every
now and then, and they love, you know, the products
I sell. For Valentine's Day, they'll be getting some stuff,
(07:43):
but it's also just watching they worked out. They still
work out. You know, they're lifting weight, training and running.
Well now they're not running, but they're you know, they
try to keep fit so that they can enjoy their
treats and also look good. Obviously, everyone wants to feel good,
so I think just noing that, but also just in
terms of fashion to me or watching my father, it's
(08:05):
it's the way that products in my store are curated.
We don't just have just candy. It's like candy that
we've curated that looks beautiful, the packaging is beautiful, or
it comes from another country and it's interesting. Our Valentine's
Day collection it's you know, very different. It will be
very different Easter collection in terms of roses and you
(08:25):
know flowers from having this collaboration to hearts and pinks
and reds and purples. You know, Easter is a whole
nother thing with pastels and beautiful soft colors and it's
just different. And candies are marshmallowy and you know, so
it's very fun. I see candy as art and fashion,
and that's definitely something I've you know, learned through watching
(08:46):
my parents.
Speaker 1 (08:47):
Yes, and if you walk into a Dylan's Candy bar
and they're all over the country and airports, now, it's
like walking into a world of a rainbow. It's so beautiful.
You feel like you're in a fantasy land.
Speaker 3 (09:00):
Thank you. I love like retail tayment, and I feel
that having in candy stores that you know that I've
been in, where you just sell candy is kind of
not as fun as being in a set of like
a Willy Wonka meets an art gallery, where you're discovering
new things that are not typical, but also seeing like
nostalgic classics, you know, under a lollipop tree, which dylan
(09:23):
Scandy Bar has, or candy cane columns or starlight mint
peppermint stools. It's it's the experience and the sharing with others.
That makes it a fun destination.
Speaker 1 (09:34):
Well, and I imagine your kids are pretty popular.
Speaker 3 (09:37):
Yeah, it's it's funny like just look, you know, with
the past, like super Bowl party or Halloween, I'm always
sort of the one, whether it's the parents, you know,
saying like you know, what are you what are you
bringing this time? Or what are you gonna have for Halloween?
And I feel like I have to up my game
every year. But it's fun. It's a it's kind of
like I feel like proud that I'm in the candy business.
(09:59):
I think it's nice that the kids appreciated. They've had
their birthday parties at my stores and their friends have,
so I feel good about that. I know it's you know,
it's a different career path, but you know, my son's
more on the like sort of financial side. He wants
to help me with the counting of the candies. And
my daughter's very artistic and actually helped me design a
(10:19):
lot of like the things we're doing in our windows
and our packaging. She's always drawing new ideas which are
very good actually.
Speaker 1 (10:26):
But looking where you came from and your dad is
just a legend, almost seems too light of a word
for ral Lauren. He really does. Yeah, and I was
so thrilled. I almost felt like I was there with
you guys, watching, you know, at the White House, tell
our audience about the incredible honor your father, Ralph Lauren
(10:48):
just received.
Speaker 3 (10:49):
Right. Well, look, Jill, you are a very close family
friend and have been there since you know, my dad's
beginnings in his careers. I met you when I was
in probably like very young your kid's age. But just
you know, my dad recently won the Presidential Medal of Freedom,
which is like the most you know, biggest award I
guess an American citizen can get, and he got it
(11:11):
amongst several people that I also admire. I know, he admires,
a Bano and a wind tour, just a bunch of
I mean, there's a whole list of like maybe twelve
people who really have made an impact in this world,
and he was one that President Biden, you know very
much admires and the world. I guess admires obviously, and
(11:32):
it's just an honor to be with him and celebrate
this moment. Of course, he's very humble and uh, but
just you know, I'm I think it's well deserved. And
you know, he works hard. I mean, he's in his
eighties is he's still working and still will plan to
work till whenever he doesn't have to work. But he
loves it and he believes in doing what you love.
(11:53):
And that's greatly inspired me and what I do.
Speaker 1 (11:55):
So it was such a beautiful event. And there was
one shot before this ceremony started where they were panning
the crowd and I actually saw you and your mom,
you know, sitting on the left hand side of the aisle,
waiting for it all to begin. What was it like
for you, as Ralph Lawrence daughter to see your dad
get one of the greatest honors a human being can get.
Speaker 3 (12:18):
You know, we don't take it lightly, although he has
won a lot of honors, and you know, he's literally
won things from the French Prime Minister and he's been knighted.
He's one, you know, been honored in Jamaica. Like he's
got some major titles actually that go beyond fashion, a
sort of governmental titles. So I've definitely witnessed, you know,
(12:41):
a lot beyond like the Legend Award he won and
all these other CFDA awards. So I just think this
was probably the biggest award that an American citizen can get.
But what's more important is that he's not changed by it.
He kind of works even harder, and he's kind of
inspires us all to work harder and not just sit
(13:04):
back on our laurels, which is really cool. Next day
back to work, you know.
Speaker 1 (13:08):
So, yeah, you're only as good as your last collection, right, Yeah, Yeah.
Speaker 3 (13:12):
And it's you know, you would think someone with so
much you know, both success and also challenges of you know,
keeping their brand up, you know, especially in fashion. He's
had a lot of really brilliant fashion shows and awards,
but he's still going as if it was like his
first day back.
Speaker 1 (13:29):
Yeah. Well, and that's why he is the legend that
he is. Yeah, so beloved and really stands for what
American fashion is all about. You think of American fashion,
you think Ralph Lauren. And your mom is equally so
inspirational and so creative and such a driving force behind
your dad, Your beautiful mom, Ricky is truly amazing and
(13:52):
has helped your dad so much. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (13:55):
No, it's been really nice to witness them both. And
you know, they just sell their anniversary their sixties and
so you know, Candy was definitely one of the gifts
that made them a giant mosaic with candy, So it
was great.
Speaker 1 (14:09):
Well, Dylan, one of the things that connected us, obviously
beyond my obsession with your dad and the clothing and
all of that, is our love and our need to
protect our animals. And we connected many years ago about
animal welfare. And then I was so amazed and surprised
to hear that you've taken it to a different level
and really focused on a whole different type of animal
(14:31):
that you know when you think you go into a
shelter and now we see, thank goodness, many more bunny rabbits.
But that's really been The rabbits have been your mission
of your heart, haven't they.
Speaker 3 (14:41):
Well, I would say two things. Rabbits are my favorite animal,
and I grew up with two bunnies Chocolate Vanilla, who
are the mascots of Dylan's Candy Barn. You'll see the
big sculpture when you walk in the door. But rabbits, dogs, cats, pigs, horses, birds,
I love all animals, and so I started a foundation
(15:02):
called Dylan's Candy Barn with an end that is part
of Dylan's Candy Bar's philanthropic arm and we do a
ton of things to help all animals get adopted or
you know, help them from cruelty or whatever challenges they
may face. And rabbits is definitely, you know, an animal that,
after I guess dogs and cats, it's a pet that
(15:23):
people sometimes don't like take as I guess as seriously
and they you know, surrender them or let them go
back into the wild because they, you know, think rabbits live,
but the domesticated rabbits kind of need forever home. So
I've definitely worked closely with shelters like all about Rabbits Rescue,
which you know, helps teach you how to care for
(15:43):
rabbits and you know, how to you know, really understand
their needs. But cats, dogs, we help adopt all of
them at our different charity events, at our stores and
you know, on our site.
Speaker 1 (15:54):
Yeah, you're a wonderful ambassador. And my condolences to you, Dylan.
I know you lost your beloved Jersey.
Speaker 3 (16:00):
Yes, yes we can talk about that because I love
her so much and it's hard to talk about. But
animals just they have a different power over I think us.
I think in some ways they're just so special and
you know, I know feels it because they can't you know,
maybe talk, but they have very clear ways of expressing
their needs and their pain and their wants, you know.
(16:23):
And I think that people who may not you know,
want to rescue a dog because I think going to
a breeder, going to get some fancy place is you know,
the way to have the best dog. But I tell
you're from Jersey and the rescues I've met and got adopted,
it's like a new ball game. These animals, especially the shelters.
(16:44):
They're beautiful. Jersey is a cover model, you know, like
and a lot of my friends who have now adopted
are like, I'm so grateful that I've saved a life
that could have been euthanized or you know, put down.
And they're like beautiful and healthy and just you know,
amazing pets, and so grateful that they've been given a
home and love and it's just super super good all
(17:08):
around second chance.
Speaker 1 (17:10):
And I said in my open I'm imploring people right
now to foster if you can't adopt. Fostering is as
important because we're the bridge between where they came from
and where they could end up. And most of the time,
if you're like me and I'm sure you too. You
become a foster fail. But if you aren't a foster fail,
you're doing God's work to take an animal in temporarily
(17:32):
to just let them know the love and the compassion
so that they can become viable for a home.
Speaker 3 (17:38):
Oh my gosh, so many animals that we have worked
with from all these different shelters around the country. There's
people who foster them, end up adopting them, have friends
who end up taking them because they maybe didn't want
to go to a shelter to meet them. If they
see there, they like they're amazing animals all around. And
you could also volunteer just by walking you know, dog
(18:00):
or cats, or cleaning a rabbit's cage or you know,
helping with their horses feed and you know whatever. There's
so many ways to get involved in helping animals, and
it takes a lot of people, you know, who love
animals and giving back and it's super fulfilling all around.
But definitely every animal needs it forever home and having
(18:20):
them live in a tiny little cage because maybe someone
couldn't like figure out how to you know, balance like
going to work and taking care of the animals. Like, definitely.
These places also educate you and how to do that,
and they provide awareness on all different pet care. So
I think learning before you, you know, get any pet
is really important. But they are the best thing you
(18:43):
can have in your life.
Speaker 1 (18:44):
I think I agree how you're preaching to the choir,
and our whole audience agrees with you. And you know,
so great because this weekend, being that it's Valentine's Day,
we also are going to be sharing the same space
in the show on Saturday. It's called Extraordinary Way with
Jeff Corwin. It can be seen nationwide on CBS on
(19:04):
your Saturday morning line up. Dylan, We're both in it.
I'm going to be featured at Southampton Animal Shelter. Yeah.
I work with my underdogs and my holiday campaign to
try to get all my underdogs at home. And I
know you're going to be in the show as well.
Speaker 3 (19:19):
Yes, yes, it's so cool that we're both in that show.
I actually saw a preview, well actually didn't. I saw
other shows that are coming out that are it's just
super amazing the work they do. And you know they
featured me talking about rabbit rescue and then about wombats
because I you know, I we helped with the wildfires
(19:40):
in Australia way back, and I love meeting the exotic
animals and you know the dogs and cats. We've recently
got like fifty animals adopted or No, there's so many
issues that happen, and I think this show is about
animal rescue, but it's even like turtles and snakes and
people have all these exotics as pets that you know,
they also affect the ecosystem. When you know animals are
(20:03):
not careful, they go extinct. It it kind of ruins
it for Ydy else. So we have to care for them.
And they did a great job showing that, and the
Josh Fox Foundation has been a big supporter and so
it's been really great. I'm excited to see this episode
next this coming weekend. Actually it's been free.
Speaker 1 (20:21):
I'm so happy to be part of it with you.
And for all of our listeners out there that if
they're not going to get to an airport or we're
not blessed enough to have one of your wonderful stores
right in our area, which we do here in the Hamptons,
tell our listeners how they can order online in time
for Valentine's stay. Dylan.
Speaker 3 (20:40):
Yeah, Dylanscandybar dot Com is our website and we have
our products on it. Or you know, if you're in
New York City, there's Hutson Yards or La the farmers
Market or the Airport's or lots of ways. But I
would say the website Dylanscandybar dot Com has a lot
of the products. You just can't be under, you know,
a lollipop tree or hearing two hundred candy songs to
(21:02):
dance to. But it's still a good experience, and you know,
I think people should give candy every day as you know,
a sign of love.
Speaker 1 (21:10):
We're so in sync with how I feel.
Speaker 3 (21:13):
Candy dandy. No, it's fun, but yeah, so that would
be the best way. But it's just been you know,
it's a happy place and happy experience to receive, you know,
something from someone who you you know you love or
they love you, and it's a you know, it's a
fun day. And obviously TETs, I mean that's a big thing.
You know, we've seen like and why we have our foundation,
Dylan's Candy Barn. I mean that's a part of the family.
(21:34):
Is your new rescue pet or your new adopted member.
It's like they get celebrated too, so treats for them.
It's good too.
Speaker 1 (21:43):
Just a beautiful message all the way around, Dylan. I
love catching up with you on these sweet holidays and
continued wonderful work for all animals in need. And my dentist, thanks.
Speaker 3 (21:54):
Yours, Rush your deep Anything can cause caviyes, I've learned,
so it's all good.
Speaker 1 (22:01):
Russian flops, Russian floss and then yeah, candy, Yes, and.
Speaker 3 (22:05):
We'll have a happy Valentine's Day. And I wish you
the best, and thank you AUS for helping support our
animals and need. It's very cool.
Speaker 1 (22:14):
Oh, thank you, and my love to your family. Oh yes,
I just adore your family. Big kiss to your dad,
and thank you all for joining us on this extra
suitet edition of Rapaport to the Rescue. Let's Talk Pets
every week on demand only on Petlife Radio dot com
This is Pet Life Radio. Let's talk Pets.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Wrap Aport to the Rescue with award winning animal advocate,
best selling author, journalist, and pet products creator Jill Rappaport.
Speaker 1 (00:21):
Hi, Welcome to rapp Before to the Rescue. I'm Jill Rappafort.
We've got a great show coming up today with my
dear pal Dylan Lauren. After all, Valentine's Day is just
around the corner, so she will talk all things sweets,
including her big heart for animals and need. But first
I want to reach out to you to ask you
to please not only consider adopting an animal now, but
(00:43):
even more important, I am begging you to please consider fostering.
We need fosters so badly now, and you are the
bridge between hell and heaven. And I really mean that
if you will your heart and home to an animal
in need, just for a temporary period so they can
(01:05):
get used to the kind, gentle touch of a human being,
you will make such a huge difference in that animal's
lives because you will make them more viable for adoption.
So please consider fostering. It is such a rewarding, heartfelt,
wonderful thing to do, especially when you see that they
go on to find their forever home. Most people like
(01:27):
me become foster fails and end up adopting them. But
we need you to help now. Thank you so much,
all right, when we come back. Dylan Lauren, you know her,
she's the daughter of Ralph Lauren. She gives so much
of her time and energy to animals in need, especially bunnies,
and that goodness and her sweetness explains why she's truly
(01:50):
the candy Queen. Dylan Lauren. When we come back.
Speaker 2 (01:57):
You know the expression kats have not lives? Well, what
if you can give them one more? But give them ten?
Movement is on a mission to help give cats an
extra life. How with spee and neoter, Spain or nootering
your cat helps them live a longer, healthier life, and
it helps control free roaming cat populations too. Learn more
(02:21):
about the benefits of spee and neoter and meet Scooter,
the neutered cat at Give Them ten dot org. That's
give them ten dot org.
Speaker 1 (02:35):
Let's talk past let's radio headline radio at light radio
dot com. Welcome back to Rapaport to the Rescue. I'm
Joe Rappaport, and if you know anything about me, you
know I'm a little obsessed with candy. Chocolate is my
(02:57):
life and my dentist is so appreciative of that. So
needless to say, my two favorite holidays are Halloween and
Valentine's Day because if people are feeling generous and happy
and they're grateful for my friendship, I get a lot
of chocolate. So I am so thrilled to have my
pale Dylan Louren. I refer to her in the open
as the Candy Queen. Of course you know her from
(03:19):
Dylan's Candy Bar. She is amazing what she has created
in the world of confectionery and chocolates and sweets and
jelly beans. Just talking to her gets me high. Dylan,
I'm so excited to have you back on Rappaport to
the rescue.
Speaker 3 (03:35):
Thank you. I'm excited to be here to an honor.
Speaker 1 (03:38):
Oh well, first of all, the last time we chatted
was Easter, which I should have mentioned was probably my
third favorite holiday, because we always check in with you,
not only because you are truly the candy Queen, but
also your heart is as big as your business for
animals in need. You are sweetness extraordinary. I want to
(04:00):
find out first with Valentine's day coming up this Friday.
What's going on in your world? You are the queen
of it.
Speaker 3 (04:08):
Well, it's funny Valentine's Day, you know, should be every
day in terms of gift giving and candy giving, and
you know, but it does always help in the candy
business that that's a you know, a great sort of
treat to give anyone, any age. So you know, at
Dylan's Candy Bar, we have created things for you know, grandparents,
you know, spouses, kids, you know, partners, whatever it is,
(04:31):
and in every kind of candy food group. So we're
very excited. And we also have a collaboration with love
Shack Fancy, which is one of several, you know, collaborations
we have with lifestyle brands who also focus on fashion,
art or pop culture. So a lot of the fans
of love Shack Fancy and Dylan's Candy Bar have been
(04:52):
already buying like those items, which are you know, sort
of floral pattern cakes and you know, chocolate bars and
jam jars with gummies in them. Is really cool. So
it's a bunch of stuff that's really yummy and fun.
Speaker 1 (05:06):
Well, what always blows me away about you? And for
those of you have seen Dylan over the years. Obviously,
she's the daughter of my favorite designer, Ralph Lauren, and
we have to talk about your dad's incredible honor just
recently at the White House. We're going to get into
that in the moment. But meanwhile, if you see Dylan,
she looks like one of Ralph's models. She's absolutely gorgeous.
(05:28):
Ral Finn Dylan, how do you do it?
Speaker 3 (05:30):
Oh? You know, I love candy, and a lot of
our customers love candy. But you know, it's everything in
moderation and also just knowing, like you know, the workout
is important, you know, not just physically but mentally. I
just went snowshoeing because it snows here recently, and just
you know, knowing that, you know, if you do have
(05:52):
some overindulgement around Valentine's there the Super Bowl which just
hit you know, the next day, have a lot of protein,
drink a lot of water, try to balance it out.
I mean, if there's no candy in your life, no sweets,
like then buy a candy robe or a candy blanket
or something with the beautiful colors of candy to make
you happy if you're trying to not eat it. But
(06:12):
and we carry all the fun things. But I just
think it's okay everything in moderation.
Speaker 1 (06:17):
And you've passed that philosophy onto your own twins, you
allow that to indulg.
Speaker 3 (06:22):
Yeah, And I believe it's important to kind of give
a little space, like especially you know, things like trick
or treating or a Halloween and again, everything in moderation.
But I do think when you withhold, it actually makes
it more tempting for children, especially to want more. And
I find like sometimes my daughter or my son, they're like, Mom,
you're eating too much marshmallow fluff. That's enough. Hot, you know,
(06:45):
where's your your vegetables? Like, because I also talk you
know that side, which is I like health and nutrition.
But again because I know how to eat healthfully, I
also love my candies and my gummies, so I do
it both and they see that.
Speaker 1 (07:00):
And how much of an influence did your parents have
on you? I mean considering you grew up in this
incredible world of fashion and design, and you know it's
all about you know, how you wear the clothes, and
let's be honest then was in it was all about
staying as fit as possible. So how did your parents
navigate you in sweets?
Speaker 3 (07:20):
Well, I do know that my mom has a major
swite doo and she loves her stashes of chocolate and
peanut m and ms. And my dad as well, he
likes his Twizzlers, licorices and his you know, he likes
the butter crunch, and we all indulge in candy every
now and then, and they love, you know, the products
I sell. For Valentine's Day, they'll be getting some stuff,
(07:43):
but it's also just watching they worked out. They still
work out. You know, they're lifting weight, training and running.
Well now they're not running, but they're you know, they
try to keep fit so that they can enjoy their
treats and also look good. Obviously, everyone wants to feel good,
so I think just noing that, but also just in
terms of fashion to me or watching my father, it's
(08:05):
it's the way that products in my store are curated.
We don't just have just candy. It's like candy that
we've curated that looks beautiful, the packaging is beautiful, or
it comes from another country and it's interesting. Our Valentine's
Day collection it's you know, very different. It will be
very different Easter collection in terms of roses and you
(08:25):
know flowers from having this collaboration to hearts and pinks
and reds and purples. You know, Easter is a whole
nother thing with pastels and beautiful soft colors and it's
just different. And candies are marshmallowy and you know, so
it's very fun. I see candy as art and fashion,
and that's definitely something I've you know, learned through watching
(08:46):
my parents.
Speaker 1 (08:47):
Yes, and if you walk into a Dylan's Candy bar
and they're all over the country and airports, now, it's
like walking into a world of a rainbow. It's so beautiful.
You feel like you're in a fantasy land.
Speaker 3 (09:00):
Thank you. I love like retail tayment, and I feel
that having in candy stores that you know that I've
been in, where you just sell candy is kind of
not as fun as being in a set of like
a Willy Wonka meets an art gallery, where you're discovering
new things that are not typical, but also seeing like
nostalgic classics, you know, under a lollipop tree, which dylan
(09:23):
Scandy Bar has, or candy cane columns or starlight mint
peppermint stools. It's it's the experience and the sharing with others.
That makes it a fun destination.
Speaker 1 (09:34):
Well, and I imagine your kids are pretty popular.
Speaker 3 (09:37):
Yeah, it's it's funny like just look, you know, with
the past, like super Bowl party or Halloween, I'm always
sort of the one, whether it's the parents, you know,
saying like you know, what are you what are you
bringing this time? Or what are you gonna have for Halloween?
And I feel like I have to up my game
every year. But it's fun. It's a it's kind of
like I feel like proud that I'm in the candy business.
(09:59):
I think it's nice that the kids appreciated. They've had
their birthday parties at my stores and their friends have,
so I feel good about that. I know it's you know,
it's a different career path, but you know, my son's
more on the like sort of financial side. He wants
to help me with the counting of the candies. And
my daughter's very artistic and actually helped me design a
(10:19):
lot of like the things we're doing in our windows
and our packaging. She's always drawing new ideas which are
very good actually.
Speaker 1 (10:26):
But looking where you came from and your dad is
just a legend, almost seems too light of a word
for ral Lauren. He really does. Yeah, and I was
so thrilled. I almost felt like I was there with
you guys, watching, you know, at the White House, tell
our audience about the incredible honor your father, Ralph Lauren
(10:48):
just received.
Speaker 3 (10:49):
Right. Well, look, Jill, you are a very close family
friend and have been there since you know, my dad's
beginnings in his careers. I met you when I was
in probably like very young your kid's age. But just
you know, my dad recently won the Presidential Medal of Freedom,
which is like the most you know, biggest award I
guess an American citizen can get, and he got it
(11:11):
amongst several people that I also admire. I know, he admires,
a Bano and a wind tour, just a bunch of
I mean, there's a whole list of like maybe twelve
people who really have made an impact in this world,
and he was one that President Biden, you know very
much admires and the world. I guess admires obviously, and
(11:32):
it's just an honor to be with him and celebrate
this moment. Of course, he's very humble and uh, but
just you know, I'm I think it's well deserved. And
you know, he works hard. I mean, he's in his
eighties is he's still working and still will plan to
work till whenever he doesn't have to work. But he
loves it and he believes in doing what you love.
(11:53):
And that's greatly inspired me and what I do.
Speaker 1 (11:55):
So it was such a beautiful event. And there was
one shot before this ceremony started where they were panning
the crowd and I actually saw you and your mom,
you know, sitting on the left hand side of the aisle,
waiting for it all to begin. What was it like
for you, as Ralph Lawrence daughter to see your dad
get one of the greatest honors a human being can get.
Speaker 3 (12:18):
You know, we don't take it lightly, although he has
won a lot of honors, and you know, he's literally
won things from the French Prime Minister and he's been knighted.
He's one, you know, been honored in Jamaica. Like he's
got some major titles actually that go beyond fashion, a
sort of governmental titles. So I've definitely witnessed, you know,
(12:41):
a lot beyond like the Legend Award he won and
all these other CFDA awards. So I just think this
was probably the biggest award that an American citizen can get.
But what's more important is that he's not changed by it.
He kind of works even harder, and he's kind of
inspires us all to work harder and not just sit
(13:04):
back on our laurels, which is really cool. Next day
back to work, you know.
Speaker 1 (13:08):
So, yeah, you're only as good as your last collection, right, Yeah, Yeah.
Speaker 3 (13:12):
And it's you know, you would think someone with so
much you know, both success and also challenges of you know,
keeping their brand up, you know, especially in fashion. He's
had a lot of really brilliant fashion shows and awards,
but he's still going as if it was like his
first day back.
Speaker 1 (13:29):
Yeah. Well, and that's why he is the legend that
he is. Yeah, so beloved and really stands for what
American fashion is all about. You think of American fashion,
you think Ralph Lauren. And your mom is equally so
inspirational and so creative and such a driving force behind
your dad, Your beautiful mom, Ricky is truly amazing and
(13:52):
has helped your dad so much. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (13:55):
No, it's been really nice to witness them both. And
you know, they just sell their anniversary their sixties and
so you know, Candy was definitely one of the gifts
that made them a giant mosaic with candy, So it
was great.
Speaker 1 (14:09):
Well, Dylan, one of the things that connected us, obviously
beyond my obsession with your dad and the clothing and
all of that, is our love and our need to
protect our animals. And we connected many years ago about
animal welfare. And then I was so amazed and surprised
to hear that you've taken it to a different level
and really focused on a whole different type of animal
(14:31):
that you know when you think you go into a
shelter and now we see, thank goodness, many more bunny rabbits.
But that's really been The rabbits have been your mission
of your heart, haven't they.
Speaker 3 (14:41):
Well, I would say two things. Rabbits are my favorite animal,
and I grew up with two bunnies Chocolate Vanilla, who
are the mascots of Dylan's Candy Barn. You'll see the
big sculpture when you walk in the door. But rabbits, dogs, cats, pigs, horses, birds,
I love all animals, and so I started a foundation
(15:02):
called Dylan's Candy Barn with an end that is part
of Dylan's Candy Bar's philanthropic arm and we do a
ton of things to help all animals get adopted or
you know, help them from cruelty or whatever challenges they
may face. And rabbits is definitely, you know, an animal that,
after I guess dogs and cats, it's a pet that
(15:23):
people sometimes don't like take as I guess as seriously
and they you know, surrender them or let them go
back into the wild because they, you know, think rabbits live,
but the domesticated rabbits kind of need forever home. So
I've definitely worked closely with shelters like all about Rabbits Rescue,
which you know, helps teach you how to care for
(15:43):
rabbits and you know, how to you know, really understand
their needs. But cats, dogs, we help adopt all of
them at our different charity events, at our stores and
you know, on our site.
Speaker 1 (15:54):
Yeah, you're a wonderful ambassador. And my condolences to you, Dylan.
I know you lost your beloved Jersey.
Speaker 3 (16:00):
Yes, yes we can talk about that because I love
her so much and it's hard to talk about. But
animals just they have a different power over I think us.
I think in some ways they're just so special and
you know, I know feels it because they can't you know,
maybe talk, but they have very clear ways of expressing
their needs and their pain and their wants, you know.
(16:23):
And I think that people who may not you know,
want to rescue a dog because I think going to
a breeder, going to get some fancy place is you know,
the way to have the best dog. But I tell
you're from Jersey and the rescues I've met and got adopted,
it's like a new ball game. These animals, especially the shelters.
(16:44):
They're beautiful. Jersey is a cover model, you know, like
and a lot of my friends who have now adopted
are like, I'm so grateful that I've saved a life
that could have been euthanized or you know, put down.
And they're like beautiful and healthy and just you know,
amazing pets, and so grateful that they've been given a
home and love and it's just super super good all
(17:08):
around second chance.
Speaker 1 (17:10):
And I said in my open I'm imploring people right
now to foster if you can't adopt. Fostering is as
important because we're the bridge between where they came from
and where they could end up. And most of the time,
if you're like me and I'm sure you too. You
become a foster fail. But if you aren't a foster fail,
you're doing God's work to take an animal in temporarily
(17:32):
to just let them know the love and the compassion
so that they can become viable for a home.
Speaker 3 (17:38):
Oh my gosh, so many animals that we have worked
with from all these different shelters around the country. There's
people who foster them, end up adopting them, have friends
who end up taking them because they maybe didn't want
to go to a shelter to meet them. If they
see there, they like they're amazing animals all around. And
you could also volunteer just by walking you know, dog
(18:00):
or cats, or cleaning a rabbit's cage or you know,
helping with their horses feed and you know whatever. There's
so many ways to get involved in helping animals, and
it takes a lot of people, you know, who love
animals and giving back and it's super fulfilling all around.
But definitely every animal needs it forever home and having
(18:20):
them live in a tiny little cage because maybe someone
couldn't like figure out how to you know, balance like
going to work and taking care of the animals. Like, definitely.
These places also educate you and how to do that,
and they provide awareness on all different pet care. So
I think learning before you, you know, get any pet
is really important. But they are the best thing you
(18:43):
can have in your life.
Speaker 1 (18:44):
I think I agree how you're preaching to the choir,
and our whole audience agrees with you. And you know,
so great because this weekend, being that it's Valentine's Day,
we also are going to be sharing the same space
in the show on Saturday. It's called Extraordinary Way with
Jeff Corwin. It can be seen nationwide on CBS on
(19:04):
your Saturday morning line up. Dylan, We're both in it.
I'm going to be featured at Southampton Animal Shelter. Yeah.
I work with my underdogs and my holiday campaign to
try to get all my underdogs at home. And I
know you're going to be in the show as well.
Speaker 3 (19:19):
Yes, yes, it's so cool that we're both in that show.
I actually saw a preview, well actually didn't. I saw
other shows that are coming out that are it's just
super amazing the work they do. And you know they
featured me talking about rabbit rescue and then about wombats
because I you know, I we helped with the wildfires
(19:40):
in Australia way back, and I love meeting the exotic
animals and you know the dogs and cats. We've recently
got like fifty animals adopted or No, there's so many
issues that happen, and I think this show is about
animal rescue, but it's even like turtles and snakes and
people have all these exotics as pets that you know,
they also affect the ecosystem. When you know animals are
(20:03):
not careful, they go extinct. It it kind of ruins
it for Ydy else. So we have to care for them.
And they did a great job showing that, and the
Josh Fox Foundation has been a big supporter and so
it's been really great. I'm excited to see this episode
next this coming weekend. Actually it's been free.
Speaker 1 (20:21):
I'm so happy to be part of it with you.
And for all of our listeners out there that if
they're not going to get to an airport or we're
not blessed enough to have one of your wonderful stores
right in our area, which we do here in the Hamptons,
tell our listeners how they can order online in time
for Valentine's stay. Dylan.
Speaker 3 (20:40):
Yeah, Dylanscandybar dot Com is our website and we have
our products on it. Or you know, if you're in
New York City, there's Hutson Yards or La the farmers
Market or the Airport's or lots of ways. But I
would say the website Dylanscandybar dot Com has a lot
of the products. You just can't be under, you know,
a lollipop tree or hearing two hundred candy songs to
(21:02):
dance to. But it's still a good experience, and you know,
I think people should give candy every day as you know,
a sign of love.
Speaker 1 (21:10):
We're so in sync with how I feel.
Speaker 3 (21:13):
Candy dandy. No, it's fun, but yeah, so that would
be the best way. But it's just been you know,
it's a happy place and happy experience to receive, you know,
something from someone who you you know you love or
they love you, and it's a you know, it's a
fun day. And obviously TETs, I mean that's a big thing.
You know, we've seen like and why we have our foundation,
Dylan's Candy Barn. I mean that's a part of the family.
(21:34):
Is your new rescue pet or your new adopted member.
It's like they get celebrated too, so treats for them.
It's good too.
Speaker 1 (21:43):
Just a beautiful message all the way around, Dylan. I
love catching up with you on these sweet holidays and
continued wonderful work for all animals in need. And my dentist, thanks.
Speaker 3 (21:54):
Yours, Rush your deep Anything can cause caviyes, I've learned,
so it's all good.
Speaker 1 (22:01):
Russian flops, Russian floss and then yeah, candy, Yes, and.
Speaker 3 (22:05):
We'll have a happy Valentine's Day. And I wish you
the best, and thank you AUS for helping support our
animals and need. It's very cool.
Speaker 1 (22:14):
Oh, thank you, and my love to your family. Oh yes,
I just adore your family. Big kiss to your dad,
and thank you all for joining us on this extra
suitet edition of Rapaport to the Rescue. Let's Talk Pets
every week on demand only on Petlife Radio dot com
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