Meet the Maker: Coombs Country Candy

Welcome to Meet the Maker, a series to get to know the faces behind some of our favourite local products! This week, meet Leanne Hewitt, Manager of Coombs Country Candy.

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When and where did Coombs Candy get its start?

Coombs Country Candy first opened its doors in the spring of 1993 in Coombs, British Columbia. After several years of preparation and development, the Port Alberni store officially opened in the spring of 1997. Starting as a small, handcrafted candy shop dedicated to making quality sweets the old-fashioned way. Over the years, it has grown into a beloved Vancouver Island destination known for its handcrafted chocolates, ice cream, and nostalgic treats.

I’ve been part of this company for 25 years, and for 20 of those years I had the privilege of working directly alongside our founder, Murray Lawlor, learning the craft and the values that continue to guide us today.

What inspired the creation of Coombs Candy?

The business was inspired by a love for traditional, handcrafted candy-making and a desire to bring high-quality sweets to the community. Murray Lawlor built Coombs Country Candy on craftsmanship, creativity, and genuine care, values he passed on to me over two decades of working side by side. That foundation still shapes everything we do.

How has the community shaped your business?

The community has been at the heart of our story from the beginning. Local families supported us long before we became a destination for visitors, and their loyalty and feedback have influenced our products, our growth, and the way we operate. For the past five years, Coombs Country Candy has been a social enterprise owned by Community Futures, which has strengthened our connection to the community even further. Our mission now includes not only making great candy, but also creating local opportunities and supporting community development.

What does being local mean to you?

Being local means being rooted in the place that helped build us. It’s about supporting other local businesses, creating jobs in our community, and offering products that feel familiar, comforting, and connected to Vancouver Island. It also means staying true to the values that make small businesses special: authenticity, craftsmanship, and genuine connection.

If you had to start the business over, what would you do differently?

We would have leaned into community partnerships even sooner, because those relationships have been some of our greatest strengths.

What advice would you give to other local entrepreneurs/business owners?

Stay true to your values, listen to your customers, and don’t be afraid to adapt. Build real relationships with your community, your suppliers, and your team. And remember that being a local business isn’t just about selling a product; it’s about creating something meaningful that people feel connected to.

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We're proud to carry Coombs Candy products at select Mid Island locations:

Nanaimo — Bowen Rd

Nanaimo — Harewood

Nanaimo — Cranberry

Qualicum

Parksville — Oceanside

Sayward Food Market

Lake Cowichan