Photo courtesy of La Brujas Facebook page.
By Lana Pierce
Hot Springs is a hub of dreams where faith sometimes leads to success, but there’s no perfect recipe for prospering in a tourist town. La Bruja’s Dulceria knows this too well.
With a 5-star rating and a 100% review status online, we don’t want readers of The Springs to miss out on this gem. In fact, say it again so you remember it… jot it down: La Bruja’s Dulceria on Ouachita.
Opening its current location just two years ago, this fledgling family business deserves to thrive. The only candy and confectionery store in Sidetown, owner Lorena Ocampo hopes to connect with her regular customers and find new ones among Spa City visitors.
Her daughter Karla Miranda outlines the business model optimistically: “Our mom’s business was built around the core idea of giving people something delicious that’s different: candies from various countries, street foods uncommon in Hot Springs restaurants, and even trendy desserts and drinks enjoyed in larger towns.” In short, the goal is “Excitement through Food.”
But like most small businesses, La Bruja’s has suffered unexpected expenses and setbacks that threaten the dream store she’s lovingly curated.
Even after the doors first opened, it took another six months to complete the kitchen. (I can vouch for the store’s amazing birthday cakes, after buying one for my grandson’s 3rd birthday party.) Behind the scenes of this vibrant, colorful store is a woman working hard to keep the dream alive and ultimately expand.
“Looking ahead,” Karla notes, “we hope to emphasize our kitchen items over the array of inventory. We look forward to hosting more community events and participating in vendor opportunities.
With the two-year milestone ahead, La Bruja’s Dulceria will depend more than ever on locals to keep the dream alive. Set your reminder and bring a friend. A visit here, a social media share there, a little midday snack in the quaint corner of the store might turn this sleeper business into one of your favorite meeting spots.
La Bruja’s Dulceria is located at 246 Ouachita Avenue, Ste 103, at the corner of Ouachita Avenue and Hickory, and parking is free.
Lana Pierce is owner of RetroFit, located across from LaBruja’s Dulceria.
