Santa Monica Icon Kadi Cole Retires from See's Candies After 33 Years of Sweet Service to Santa Monica's Sweet Tooth

August 7, 2025 – After 33 years of spreading joy with her infectious smile and legendary charm, Kadi Cole is bidding farewell to her beloved role at See's Candies on 1227 Wilshire Boulevard. Today marks her final day at the iconic candy shop, where she has been a fixture since arriving from Sierra Leone in 1992.

Kadi's journey began when she stepped into the quaint, white-walled shop, inspired by the original See's Candies founded in Los Angeles in 1921. Hired on the spot for her warmth and enthusiasm, she quickly became more than an employee-she became the heart of the store. Customers flocked not just for the famous truffles, boxed chocolates, or seasonal treats but for Kadi's genuine kindness and knack for making everyone feel like family. "The big change came ten years ago, when they let us wear pants instead of dresses," she said.

"Every day, I come to work with a smile because I love the people," Kadi said, her eyes sparkling as she handed out a free sample to a young customer, a tradition she's upheld for decades. "This place, these chocolates-they bring happiness. And I've been blessed to be part of that." She says her favorite candy is the carmel chocolate rolled in crushed almonds.

Kadi Cole has sold See's Candy in Santa Monica for 33 years.

Over the years, Kadi's charm turned first-time visitors into regulars. Stories abound of her remembering customers' favorite candies, offering a kind word during tough times, or sharing a laugh that brightened their day. "She's like Santa Monica's candy ambassador," said longtime patron Maria Gonzalez. "You don't just come for the chocolate; you come for Kadi."

Born in Sierra Leone, Kadi brought resilience and optimism to her new life in the U.S. Her journey wasn't without challenges, but she credits her positivity to her roots. "In Sierra Leone, we learn to find joy in small things," she said. "Here, I found it in sharing sweetness with others."

As See's Candies evolved-adding online orders and contact-free pickup-Kadi remained a constant, her warmth cutting through the changes. The Wilshire Boulevard location, just blocks from the Santa Monica Pier, has seen shifts in the neighborhood, from the nearby Vons and Whole Foods to the bustle of Wilshire's evolution. Overtime, she was promoted to store manager. Yet Kadi's presence kept the shop feeling like home.

"Change is good. Embrace change," she said with a smile, her words carrying the wisdom of someone who's lived through

Today, as she wraps her final shift, Kadi reflects on her time with grace. "Change is good. Embrace change," she said with a smile, her words carrying the wisdom of someone who's lived through transformation. While she's retiring from See's, Kadi plans to stay in Santa Monica, spending time with her family and exploring new ways to spread joy. "Maybe I'll volunteer, maybe I'll travel," she mused. "But I'll always carry this place in my heart."

The community is already feeling her absence. "Kadi's smile was the real treat," said fellow employee Crystal Nguyen, who credits Kadi with teaching her the art of customer service. See's Candies will continue to serve its signature chocolates, but the shop won't be quite the same without its legendary ambassador.

As Kadi steps into her next chapter, she leaves behind a legacy of sweetness that transcends candy. For Santa Monica, she's been more than a See's employee-she's been a reminder that a smile and a kind word can make all the difference.

Kadi Cole, the power behind the chocolate for 33 years

*For more information about See's Candies at 1227 Wilshire Blvd, visit chocolateshops.sees.com.*[](https://chocolateshops.sees.com/ca/santamonica/chocolate_shops_santa-monica_ca_1ca032.html)[](https://www.mapquest.com/us/california/sees-candies-chocolate-shop-377926377)