There are perks to getting lost on Rivers Avenue on a hot August day. This weekend I came across two: a $3.50 Norma Kamali skirt at Community Thrift Store (holler) and the discovery of Ragamuffin Sugarshop. While the sign said closed, I could see a handful of women and babies inside the former Charleston Lock & Safe Co. at 4245 Rivers, so I let myself in. Luckily, owner Candice Padgett — who was hosting a baby shower — didn’t kick me out.
Turns out Padgett opened her sweet shop at the beginning of the month after eyeing the location for years. It’s Pinterest-y chic with a DIY flavor. There are colorful abstract posters on the walls, vintage cafeteria-style seating around wooden tables, red booths, and a large glass counter to display Padgett’s treats. A small chalkboard contains the day’s offerings.
“I grew up baking with my mom,” Padgett says. “When my son was born, I became a stay-at-home mom and began creating recipes and entertaining.” Word of her skills spread and she was even hired as a pastry chef at Anson before her son started school. “That gave me the confidence to know that I could do something on my own and work for myself,” she adds.
The Charleston native has lived in Park Circle since she was married in 2001, and her love of the neighborhood made her decide to open a sweets and party venue in the area.
“Cupcakes are my specialty,” she says. But judging by the long list of cookies and candies on her Facebook page, most sugary snacks fall in her wheelhouse. There’s also savory items like croque-monsieur and monte cristo sandwiches, too. Folks can stop by for a cold brew coffee, French press, bagel sandwich, and more Tues.-Sat., 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
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