Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristie Hilliard.
Kristie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started KristieKandies back in February of 2018! I was with a pharmaceutical company for 14 years, and I decided to step out on FAITH, not knowing that KristieKandies was evening being formed! It was not even thought about, so I tell people that God placed this in my hands! I started off with making chocolate lollipops on the sticks for different events! I started sharing pictures on Facebook, and that was all it took! After that, it took off full force. After the lollipops then came along the chocolate dip strawberries! They were a big hit going out by the dozens! Fast forward the Oreos, Pretzel rods, Rice Krispy treats followed! I always had customers requesting new things, so I would try it! Chocolate dip pineapples, Candy Apples in different flavors and colors, candied grapes, candied pickles, candied plums, candied peaches, just about anything candied I will dip! 2022 I purchased a concession trailer so I could be Mobile and travel from place to place! The best investment I ever made! My customers will come wherever I go! It’s so unbelievable at times because every time I go out, I sell out! The lines be so long! I have produced mass quantities of candy apples (600-700) for different corporations and even did 1500 treats for my former employer! I am a very grateful and humbled entrepreneur, and I give God all the glory for my gift! I have a very supportive family (my husband Leo Hilliard and my sons Isaiah and Malik Hilliard) that steps in and help make this business run at its full potential! By the end of 2023, I am hoping to open my own storefront in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, so I can be available 5 days a week! I am a full-time entrepreneur that prepares every treat with Love and Attention! Thank you!!!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has been smooth 90% of the time because my customers are always satisfied with their treats! I’ve never had a customer that wasn’t satisfied out of 5 years! The other 10% I would say the only struggles is when I get overwhelmed with so many orders or doubt myself with a particular theme that the customer want!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about KristieKandies LLC?
I am known most for my Candied Grapes and Candy Apples! What sets me apart from others is the different flavors I use to enhance the taste of the candy! Some flavors I use are cotton candy, watermelon, pineapple, peach, strawberry, green apple, strawberry-kiwi, and tutti frutti! What I want the readers to know about KristieKandies treats is that once you try them, you are hooked! I have had people to drive 2 hours just to try my treats! I have shipped candy apples to Florida and Charlotte, NC! I love what I do!!!
What do you think about happiness?
What makes me happy is seeing the reactions from my customers once they taste my products! It’s so freaking awesome! It lets me know they are satisfied! I have so many returning customers because they say they just can’t get enough!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: KristieKandies
- Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/Kristie.kandies.16
- Other: TikTok -KristieKandies
