Vegas Magazine - Niche Media - There is a place beyond the crowds, beyond the ropes, where dreams are realized and success is celebrated. You are invited.
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/753186
CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: Maria Sharapova introduces Sugarpova to Las Vegas at the Sweet Factory in October; this gorgeous face makes us doubt sugar's recent vilification; just some of the many flavors of Sugarpova. PHOTO BY DENISE TRUSCELLO/WIREIMAGE (IN STORE); ALEXANDER HASSENSTEIN/ GETTY IMAGES (BACKGROUND); MIKE MARSLAND/WIREIMAGE (PEDESTAL); JOHN SHEARER/GETTY IMAGES (PORTRAIT) SUGAR SLAM! TODAY TENNIS, MODELING, DIPLOMACY, AND CHOCOLATE FOR MARIA SHARAPOVA. TOMORROW, THE WORLD! BY TARA MCCRILLIS She's been ranked #1 by the World Tennis Association five times, modeled for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, and been a UN Development Programme Goodwill Ambassador (representing Chernobyl recovery). But Maria Sharapova has another title you might not know about: celebrity confectioner. She launched her candy company, Sugarpova, in 2012 with a line of gummy candies, then forayed into chocolates this year, partnering with Baron Chocolatier on a line estimated to make $20 million by 2018. We sat down with Sharapova when she delivered her line to The Sweet Factory in Henderson. We'd expect a sports bar, or protein powder… but candy? This is really a passion project for me. We are very strict these days about the way we eat but all of us have a little sweet tooth and indulging is part of life. We understand that Sugarpova is to become a lifestyle brand, with apparel and home goods. What's the next step? Yes, definitely! But in terms of sweets, truffles are next for us, and a chocolate- covered gummy. Do you have a lifelong love of sweets? When I was about 7 years old and we moved to the US, I went into one of these candy stores where they had all this selection, and I had just never seen anything like this in Russia. I used to pack a little bags and take it back to Russia for my friends. When I wanted to start a business, I thought of that memory. Why have you chosen to partner with Baron Chocolatiers? Their products are all natural, non-GMO, and we are one of the few that are halal and kosher as well. I wanted Sugarpova to feel premium, since I was thinking of it as a souvenir for my friends. Find Sugarpova at The Sweet Factory, Galleria at Sunset,1300 W. Sunset Road, Henderson, and sugarpova.com. . "WE ARE VERY STRICT THESE DAYS ABOUT THE WAY WE EAT, BUT INDULGING IS PART OF LIFE." — MARIA SHARAPOVA 58 VEGASMAGAZINE.COM SCENE SWEET SENSATION