Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Galloway
Christina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m a member of our town’s Independence Day Committee, and two years ago, I had the idea to bring cotton candy to our community’s 4th of July celebration in the park. Since it was beyond our budget, I decided to buy the machine and do it myself. I had been considering starting a small side business since my daughters moved out. I enjoy sending them little gifts to show them I’m thinking of them or to express my love. However, I couldn’t find anything affordable or simple with a variety online or on Amazon. I love nostalgic candies because they evoke fond memories of childhood innocence and fun. Since cotton candy is also nostalgic, I thought I could combine them and sell them at the 4th of July celebration. It was a resounding success, so I decided to take the plunge and run a small business. I obtained my business license, food handler’s permit, and registered my cottage law business through the state. Now, I have a website, an Etsy shop, and I’m working on launching a TikTok shop. I’m also selling cotton candy in multiple local shops. I’ve learned a lot and expanded my business beyond nostalgic candies and cotton candy to include almost anything that brings joy to people’s lives. I create exotic custom leather earrings, to printing wedding invitations, to making personalized promotional items.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Has it been a smooth journey? Absolutely not! Every time I turn a corner, there’s another problem or fire that I have to extinguish. Being a solopreneur and running a business single-handedly is the most challenging endeavor I’ve ever undertaken. It’s an arduous task that demands my full attention. I work seven days a week, from the moment I wake up and prepare for the day until I retire each night. While I’m not a salesperson, I’m a kind and social individual, so I excel in person when it comes to sales. Another significant challenge I’ve faced is dealing with my cotton candy containers. They’re advertised as airtight, but my cotton candy has consistently proven otherwise. After nine months of persistent negotiations with the supplier and troubleshooting, I’ve finally concluded that sealing the cotton candy with a hand-sealed film is the solution. Although it takes longer to package the cotton candy, it’s worth it to ensure a fresh and exceptional product. I’ve also taken the initiative to make my own sugar for the cotton candy, and now I offer over 50 flavors for my customers to choose from. I have even more flavors in mind to expand my product range. I take pride in using only the finest ingredients, and I’m proud to say that over half of my cotton candy flavors are made with organic sugar and are free from dyes. Some people even refer to it as vegan cotton candy or organic cotton candy, but I can’t use that label because I’m not certified organic and my kitchen is not “free from contamination”. Running a business is incredibly stressful, but the joy of seeing people’s faces when I tell them that my cotton candy is made with organic sugar and that they have so many flavor options makes it all worthwhile. It isn’t your typical carnival, grainy cotton candy.. although I offer that as well.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m also highly creative and enjoy crafting jewelry and handmade products that can be gifted or used as promotional items. I create gift baskets filled with nostalgic candy, cotton candy, and a piece of jewelry. Additionally, I design and produce various items such as vinyl signs, leather wallets, bookmarks, menus, wedding invitations, hats, shirts, bags, magnet business cards, necklaces, earrings, exotic leather earrings, bracelets, keychains, mugs, stickers, labels, decals, and more. My motto is, “If you have a dream, let me help it become a reality!”
I’m particularly proud of my unique cotton candy, which sets me apart from other businesses. I offer dye-free organic sugar cotton candy, ensuring that health-conscious individuals or those with dye allergies can still enjoy a delightful treat. It’s a fun family activity that brings immense joy to children’s faces as they witness the process of their cotton candy being made. The smiles on their faces are priceless, and it fills my heart with pure happiness.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I’m lucky I found a niche that is unique, so full of flavor (over 50 different flavors so far and more coming soon!!) and that people love to eat. I’m lucky to have a supportive husband who has been my rock and my cashier at events. I’m lucky to have met so many local people since the start of this business in my community who have also been so supportive of my venture and have become great friends. I’m blessed to have started Rhea’s Sweet Shoppe because I wouldn’t have learned what I’ve learned (oh so very much about sales, computer software, laws, manufacturing, etc.) and I wouldn’t have met the wonderful people I’ve met ( a lot of people within a hundred mile radius PLUS people all across the country).
I read a saying about a mushroom once and I feel it pertains to most little businesses. Mushrooms are slow to grow and take a long time to flourish. You just don’t see the process until it blooms. It looks like it happens overnight and people want their businesses to take flight overnight but that’s not a reality. It takes time, hard work and patience. The world advertises that businesses happen overnight but it isn’t true. This is one lesson that I’ve learned that there is no such thing as overnight successes. So to anyone reading this article, don’t give up on your dreams! It’s never too late. I’ve wanted to own a candy store since I was a little girl. I made my dream come true at 48 years of age. Dreams can come true!!
Pricing:
- 4.99
- 5.99
- 39.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rheassweetshoppe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rheas_sweetshoppe/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rheasweetshoppe
