BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- At a time when many businesses are closing their doors because of the economy, a local woman is getting ready to open her doors to a new business she is banking on becoming a sweet success.

Pamela Luks had been had her eye on a certain building in the southwest that she wanted to turn into her own candy palace.

The opportunity came up and she went for it, calling it Sweet Connections.

The cotton-candy-colored building catches your eye as you drive down White Lane.

While it is pink on the outside, it is sweet on the inside.

"You walk in, and it's just a happy place. I like it to be happy and a fun place, because there is just so much that everybody is not happy about anymore. So it's happy to come in and enjoy something different," said Luks.

It has been Luks' dream since childhood to open up a candy shop, and now that dream is even closer to reality.

"I remember 20 years ago she talking about it, when I was a little girl," said Sarah Moore, a family friend.

"She has always wanted a pink candy shop. I don't know why, but that is what she always talked about, so we had a chance to do so we are doing it," said Janae Freisinger, Luks' daughter.

The business has become a family affair, with Freisinger and Moore jumping on board.

A risk? Luks said,"Yes." But it is a risk she said she is willing to take.

"We did a lot of research before we opened the shop and they said candy stores and candy sales are one thing that hasn't gone down because everybody likes their comfort zone with their candy," said Luks.

Sweet Connections offers 94 different varieties of bulk candy, along with specialty candies including retro treats, popcorn, hand-dipped candies and nuts.

They even offer made to order gift baskets and curb service for the disabled.

"We are really excited. It's been months in the making with a lot of blood, sweat, and tears and we are really excited," said Moore.

Sweet Connections is located at 2517 White Lane #B.

They will open their doors to the public on Saturday.