Jan 19, 2010

Jelly bean queens: Q&A with Jill Liebelt and Lynn Sanborn of JillybeansBy Tracy FrankInForum.com

Jillybeans candy and gift shop in West Acres mall in Fargo beckons children (and the young at heart) with its large machine of churning teddy bear stuffing and the promise of enough sugar to sate the most ravenous sweet tooth.

There are 49 distinct flavors of Jelly Belly jelly beans that can be mixed together to form multiple flavor combinations.

A display case of gourmet chocolates, truffles and caramels greets shoppers as they enter the store.

Clear plastic bins filled with things like Bleep Blips, rock candy, and Jawbreakers the size of softballs line the walls.

The shop also carries marbles, cards, stuffed toys, and toys that customers can stuff themselves.

Lynn Sanborn owns Jillybeans and runs it with her daughter, Jill Liebelt, the store’s manager and the original “Jillybean.”

“I’ve been known as Jillybean since I was that big,” Liebelt said, gesturing to her knee.

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