The Inspiration
Angeline "Bessie" Sanders-Nelson
Angeline "Bessie" Sanders-Nelson, Grandma Bessie was born in Rembert, SC. The youngest of sixteen children, she was affectionately known as the baby of the crew. She married my grandfather, John Felix Nelson, and relocated to Sumter, SC, in the late 1940s. Together, they built Bargain Fair Variety Store and raised six children. Bargain Fair Variety Store was affectionately known as "Nelson's Store" in the community. They serviced everyone, with or without money. My grandmother was not only a caregiver to her six children and grandchildren, but also to the neighborhood kids, generation after generation. The stories and lives she impacted are limitless!
I learned my sense of hard work, customer service, innovative marketing, and business savvy from her. I studied with my grandmother and learned how to interact with people, how to make a sale and, most importantly, how to make a lasting impression to keep customers coming back.
Bargain Fair Variety Store was in business for over sixty years and her spirit of determination and her love of cooking and baking is why Bessie's Sweet Delights and Bessie's Bites and Sweet Delights will continue to thrive. Thank you Grandma Bessie! We are forever grateful for your love, lessons, and life.