Meet Sol Lillhannus

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sol Lillhannus a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sol, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

Ever since I was a little kid, I was drawn to anything that involved creativity: drawing, writing, painting, dancing, music. I’ve always believed that creating something from scratch is one of the most magical parts of life. It’s a chance to put your signature on the world, your style, your vibe, a little piece of you. What really made me realize my purpose, though, wasn’t just the act of creating, it was the reaction it could spark in others. Whether it’s a smile, a laugh, or even just a quiet “aww,” those moments of connection are everything. Most artists aren’t chasing money, we’re chasing that feeling. That moment when someone sees what you made and feels something.

At The Pirate Candy Shop, that’s exactly what I get to do. I create joy. I design the style, the vibe, the experience. We import amazing Swedish candy, but everything around it, the branding, the packaging, the way it’s displayed and shared, it’s brought to life with our own flair. I came up with our slogan: “Life is sweeter with candy”, because I truly believe in that. And every day, I try to add a little piece of myself into the brand. That’s where I found my purpose: in creating moments of sweetness, laughter, and joy.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m the Co-Owner and Chief Brand Officer of The Pirate Candy Shop, a Tampa-based Swedish candy store built around creativity, culture, and joy. What I do every day is about more than just candy. It’s about creating moments. From the way the brand looks and feels to how we connect with our community both online and in person, I’m deeply involved in every part of the creative process.

I’ve always had a passion for art, design, and self-expression, and building a candy brand that brings smiles to people’s faces has been the perfect outlet. What makes The Pirate Candy Shop special is the attention we pour into every detail, from the packaging and visuals to the overall vibe and experience. It’s not just about selling candy. It’s about creating something bold, fun, and unexpected that people genuinely connect with.

We were recently nominated as Tampa’s Best Candy Shop 2025, which was such an honor, especially considering we haven’t even hit our one year mark yet. The response has been incredible, and the way the brand has grown in such a short time is something we’re really proud of. It’s a huge testament to the love and energy we’ve poured into this business.

There are also some exciting things on the horizon that we can’t wait to share, new projects that are definitely going to make candy lovers very happy. Stay tuned, because we’re just getting started.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey as a creative entrepreneur and small business owner in Tampa, the three qualities that have had the biggest impact are creativity, persistence, and dedication.

Creativity has always been the heart of what I do. Whether it’s shaping the branding, designing packaging, curating content for social media, or crafting in-store experiences at The Pirate Candy Shop, I believe creativity is what makes a business feel alive. In the world of retail and especially in a niche like Swedish candy, creativity is what helps you stand out and build a memorable, shareable brand.

Persistence is the ability to keep going and stay focused on your vision even when things get messy. As any small business owner knows, there are constant challenges from logistics to marketing to product sourcing. Staying the course, learning from setbacks, and adapting quickly has been one of the most valuable skills I’ve developed.

Dedication ties it all together. Growing an independent candy shop in today’s competitive e-commerce and retail landscape takes a lot of behind-the-scenes effort: customer service, daily content, events, local outreach, and constantly improving the brand. It’s not just about showing up, it’s about showing up with intention every single day.

My advice to anyone starting a brand, especially in a creative or product-based field, is this: just start, stay consistent, and let your passion lead the way. Be willing to learn as you go. Embrace what makes your idea unique. And don’t underestimate the power of community, storytelling, and a strong visual identity. All of those things matter and when done right, they help you build something that truly connects.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

Without a doubt, the people who have been the most helpful in helping me grow and overcome challenges are my family: my husband, my parents, my brothers, and even my children. Believe it or not, even my baby and toddler have helped me develop resilience in their own hilarious and surprising ways. For example, my toddler understands that we only eat Swedish candy on Saturdays – it’s a Swedish tradition we follow, and the fact that he accepts that, even after watching me hand a Swedish candy bag to a customer during the week, is a small but very real form of support. That could easily turn into a tantrum, but instead, he gets it, and that helps more than people realize.

Jokes aside, I truly believe that family is the greatest asset you can have. When you’re surrounded by love and support, it gives you the strength to take risks, dream big, and bounce back stronger. My husband is not just my biggest supporter but also my key partner in everything I do, including growing our Swedish candy shop in Tampa from the ground up. It’s honestly a little scary how in sync we are – he can finish my thoughts before I say them. My parents have always been my biggest cheerleaders, and their encouragement makes me feel like I can move mountains. Add my brothers to the mix, and I’ve got a rock-solid crew that always has my back.

When you have a support system like that, you don’t just feel empowered, you feel responsible to keep growing, keep learning, and keep raising the bar. That’s how I approach life, motherhood, and running a candy shop in Tampa. Whether it’s dreaming up new branding ideas or handing a treat to a happy customer, it all comes back to the people who believe in you from the start.

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