BELMONT, N.C. — Belmont’s Cotton Candy Factory opened in 2017 on Main Street. It’s got to be the sweetest place in town, not just because of what they sell, but because of who sells it. You’ll see those smiling faces right away when you walk inside. The employees here are the residents of Holy Angels, a place that teaches life skills to folks with intellectual developmental disabilities. Here they spin cotton candy. Sweet job, right?
You can spin up to seven flavors, or buy dozens of pre-made flavors of cotton candy. There’s also plenty of loose candy to choose from. But the customers aren’t just here for the sweets.
“If you ask people why they might come to our café or cotton candy factory,” says Holy Angles President and CEO, Regina Moody. “It’s all about the people and the people who serve them.”
The residents also work the register and visit with customers, to help with social skills.
“I just love seeing all the beautiful smiles of all the children and how they love all their cotton candies,” says Maria, one of the residents
“It gives them a sense of purpose and independence,” Moody says. “As well as contributing and making a difference.”
You can visit the cotton candy factory, 10am-5pm, Monday through Saturday.