I just love freeze-dried food. I lost my job of 26 years and decided I would just try to have my own little business. I just wanted to try to be my own boss and enjoy the freedom of that, and so I opened Freeze Dried Fiesta a year ago.
Freeze drying turns chewy candy into crunchy or soft, melt-in-your-mouth type of consistency. On one hand, it’s a fun way to enjoy candy you love in a different way. On the other, if you have dentures, dental work, braces—you can still enjoy the candy.
Nerd Clusters—they're one of the most popular. I have the Starburst, different flavored rings—peach rings, watermelon rings, blueberry rings. The coffee-flavored M&M's are really popular. I have saltwater taffy, Snickers…so many different kinds!
I have two freeze dry machines that work kind of like souped-up dehydrators. You put the candy in and at first it gets cold, then it gets hot. But you can't just throw them in there and expect them to work—different candies require different processes to make work and keep them delicious.
My favorite part of the business so far is the customers. I love to watch people when they try stuff that they have never tried before to see their reactions. They're like, oh my gosh, this is so good!
