Stephanie's Sweets In Bel Air Celebrates Valentine's Day With Special Treats

BEL AIR, MD — One of the busiest times of the year for Bel Air chocolate shop Stephanie's Sweets falls on Valentine's Day.

But this year, the holiday for love feels a little less joyous at the candy shop as founder Stephanie Sweet passed away Jan. 27 during her second battle against breast cancer. However, her sister, Sylvia Pangalis, vowed to keep her sister's dream thriving in honor of her.

"With Stephanie's passing, the family's goal is to keep her business going. Stephanie was committed to her business, working very hard to make it a success. Our goal as a family is to continue her legacy through her business. Stephanie was well loved by her customers and the outpouring of love and support has been amazing," Pangalis told Patch.

Sweet launched her business in 2001 in Bel Air, a location she appreciated for its easy access from Bel Air Road, Pangalis said.

"She always enjoyed baking and making candy as a personal hobby. When our father's restaurant closed in 2000, she decided to take a chance and make her personal hobby a business," Pangalis told Patch. "She started dabbling in the banking and candy business a few years after high school."

Valentine's Day of course is one of the busiest days for the candy shop, but the other major holidays keep them hopping. Some of the most popular goodies ordered for Valentine's Day include chocolate-covered strawberries and chocolate covered apples, Pangalis said.

"Chocolate coco bombs are very popular during the winter and Christmas season. Chocolate-covered apples are popular through the year," she told Patch.

Visit Stephanie's Sweets to learn more about the Harford County business or pop by 134 N. Tollgate Rd. in Bel Air.