I’m so excited to feature Andrea Zembilis, a local mom and owner of Sugar Rush in Madison! Read all about her local faves, her business, the importance of giving back, and more below!
How many children do you have and what are their age(s)?
I have one daughter who is 11 years old and attends school at St. Vincent Martyr.
How long have you lived in (your town)? What made you decide to live here?
I have lived in Cedar Knolls for 13 years.
What’s your favorite family activity Chatham, Madison or Summit?
My favorite family activity to do in Madison is visit all the local shops and restaurants. We also love attending the sporting events and school events in town. My favorite night of the year is the Madison Christmas Parade. Madison also has a Halloween Parade, Easter Fun Fest, and many other events.
Where’s your favorite place to eat and/or shop Chatham, Madison or Summit?
There are so many good ones it is hard to choose. We love IL Mondo Vecchio. My daughter loves going to McCools, Crowley’s Cupcakes, and Tons of Toys. My store is located next to Stitch Boutique. They have the greatest clothes. I love going to Rose City Beauty, The Pink Pear, Healthy Italia, and many other shops in town.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I was a Fund Accountant at a Hedge Fund over 10 years before opening Sugar Rush Candy & Gift Boutique.
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
My husband, family, and friends. It is certainly true when they say it takes a village. My family is so amazing and supportive. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have been able to pursue my dream of opening a store.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
I am the owner of Sugar Rush Candy & Gift Boutique in Madison, NJ . I opened in August of 2015. I fell in love with the town while my daughter was attending school at Madison Montessori. I always wanted to open a candy and children’s gift store and thought Madison would be the perfect fit. I had one main goal in mind, provide the community with the best treats, baby, and children’s gifts on the market all in one brightly colored and happy store. It’s a dreamland of candy, gifts, jewelry, toys, and more!
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
The community welcomed me with open arms from the moment my doors opened. They are the most loyal and supportive customers anyone could ever wish for. They have become family to me. We love seeing their children and how happy they are when they come to Sugar Rush. Giving back is very important to me. We collect toys and donate to The Madison Eagle Fund, we hold an annual Cereal Drive that benefits local food pantries, proceeds from our annual Sugar Rush Anniversary party go to The Valerie Center at Morristown Memorial Hospital, and we donate to many other local schools and fundraisers. It is a privilege to be able to give back.
What’s your favorite form of self care?
My favorite form of self care is facials. I go to LH Spa and Rejuvenation in Madison. They are amazing and in walking distance of my store. If you haven’t already been, you must go!