In the heart of downtown Fostoria, Ohio, a swirl of color and nostalgia welcomes every visitor who steps inside Calico Charlie’s Candy & More. For owner Kristin VanCuren Koester, the shop isn’t just a place to buy sweets. It’s a joyful result of community support, creativity, and the tools she gained through FINSYNC CO.STARTERS. This program helped her turn a childhood dream into a thriving local business.
Kristin’s idea for her store began with a simple thought: “We need something in town for kids, a candy store!” After years of working with preschoolers and caring for her mother, she wanted to bring more joy to her hometown in Fostoria.
Before opening, Kristin joined CO.STARTERS through FINSYNC, where she learned how to plan finances, organize ideas, and launch her business with confidence. “I didn’t know anything about business,” she said. “CO.STARTERS gave me a roadmap. That little binder they gave us? I still keep it by my desk.”
That guidance helped Kristin and her husband, Matt, turn their idea into a colorful shop filled with laughter and local pride.
Building on Fostoria’s Roots
The store’s name honors Charles Foster, Fostoria’s namesake and former governor of Ohio, who was nicknamed “Calico Charlie.” Kristin embraced the story for its colorful spirit and playful energy.
Kristin and Matt filled their shop with pieces of local history. Shelving from a long-closed hardware store, chandeliers from the church Kristin grew up attending, and a cart from an old five-and-dime. Every piece has a story, donated or discovered by locals who recognized the care behind Calico Charlie’s.
Even their products have local roots. Popcorn comes from Buckeye Family Farms, and candy displays feature cupboards from a former Fostoria grocery store. “We love working with local farmers and small businesses, it keeps us connected and gives our customers a real taste of home,” Kristin said.
Finding Guidance Through FINSYNC CO.STARTERS
When Kristin began planning her business, a family friend introduced her to Sarah and Renee, owners of Thrive Community Partners, who connected her to FINSYNC CO.STARTERS.
CO.STARTERS taught Kristin to organize ideas, plan finances, navigate suppliers, and find support to take the leap.
“Sarah and Renee were incredible, smart, kind, and funny. They never made you feel judged,” she said. “The people in my group were just as supportive. We were all learning together.”
That confidence led Kristin to enter the local Mini Shark Tank competition, where her energy shone and she won the top prize. “Even one of my former students came to cheer me on. It was amazing,” she said.
A Place Where Everyone Feels Like a Kid Again
Inside Calico Charlie’s, laughter fills the air: vintage candies, handcrafted treats, and a spirit of belonging keep visitors returning. Kristin and Matt host events for kids and adults, making the shop a creative hub.
“Some parents tell their kids to slow down or not touch anything,” Kristin said with a smile. “But we opened a candy store. We expect joy and excitement. That’s what this place is for.”
From childhood memories to community heritage, Kristin has woven together a story that is as colorful as the candies on her shelves. Through CO.STARTERS and FINSYNC’s support, she has turned her passion into a business that brings sweetness, laughter, and nostalgia to every corner of Fostoria.
“It’s not just about candy,” Kristin said. “It’s about bringing people together and reminding them that joy still lives right here in our hometown.”
About FINSYNC
FINSYNC simplifies how businesses fund and run their operations in one place. With tools to plan, operate, and grow — and a financial network of investors, lenders, and partners — FINSYNC helps entrepreneurs connect with the right opportunities and move forward with confidence.