Meet Alesha Smith of Perky Daisy’s Freeze Dried Treats

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alesha Smith

Hi Alesha, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Growing up in Baltimore, the highlight of my school years was always our field trips to Washington, DC. These trips were filled with excitement and discovery, but my favorite destination was always the Air and Space Museum. Every visit, I made sure to get some “Space Ice Cream”—that delightful freeze-dried treat. I was fascinated by the concept of transforming something that required freezing into a shelf-stable delicacy that could last for years. From those moments, a dream was born: one day, I wanted to create freeze-dried treats myself.

Life took me on a different path initially. In November 2000, I enlisted in the Army as an Ammunition Specialist. My service took me to Afghanistan in 2002, where I built strong bonds with my fellow soldiers. After leaving the Army in 2004, I faced the challenge of transitioning back to civilian life. I worked various odd jobs and even tried my hand at a few businesses, but none of them ignited that spark I was searching for.

Throughout it all, gaming remained a constant in my life. It was my escape, a way to clear my mind, and a means to establish and maintain friendships. One of the most remarkable experiences came when I randomly reconnected with a fellow veteran while playing Call of Duty. We had served together in Afghanistan nearly a decade earlier and found each other again through the game. That connection has lasted, and we remain in contact to this day.

In the gaming and streaming world, I’m known as Perky Daisy. It was through this community that I discovered StackUp.org in 2018, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans and service members by promoting positive mental health through gaming. I started working there in August 2019, helping to create the Influencer Relations Team. Working with other veterans at Stack Up gave me the confidence to pursue my VA disability claim. After 19 years of waiting, I finally received a rating and used the backpay to purchase my very first freeze dryer.

With my freeze dryer in hand, I began experimenting with making candy for my family and friends. It was a hit, and at the beginning of 2024, I turned my hobby into a business. My three kids eagerly volunteered as taste-testers for all my new candy creations. To get my name out there, I started by doing weekend deliveries.

The real breakthrough came when Sweet Factory reached out to me. They wanted to collaborate and put my products on their store shelves. It was a dream come true, a journey from a childhood fascination with Space Ice Cream to owning a business that brought joy to others through freeze-dried candy. Now, every candy I make carries a bit of that childhood wonder and the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road. Transitioning out of the military was one of the hardest things I have experienced. Going from a family that I knew and trusted, knowing my job, my place, to the very uncertainty of the civilian world was a significant challenge. I went through multiple business ventures that just didn’t feel right and lost their passion. I struggled to find my place in the workforce until I found Stack Up.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Perky Daisy’s Freeze Dried Treats?
About Perky Daisy’s Freeze Dried Treats:

New Beginnings: I just started this year, bringing a fresh and exciting approach to candy making.
Science and Treats: Our business is all about combining science and technology with yummy treats, creating an innovative and delicious experience.
Bite-Sized Goodness: We strive to make our candies as bite-sized as possible. For example, if you freeze-dried a whole Air Head, it would expand to the size of your hand and create a mess when bitten into. As a mom, I aim to offer less messy options because life is messy enough.
Proud of Our Logo: Our logo, which I’m very proud of, reflects my vision perfectly. It is colorful, eye-catching, and truly represents who I am, thanks to the collaboration with my talented artist.
Unique and Flavorful: Our candy stands out for its unique texture and super flavorful taste. The freeze-drying process transforms chewy candies into light, crunchy bites full of flavor. By removing all moisture, the process enhances the flavors, making them pop more without the water content.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Drive, ambition, passion. If you love what you do, you won’t feel like it’s work.

Pricing:

• $6 Jolly Puffers
• $6 Galaxy Puffs
• $8 Rainbow Crunchies
• $10 Mystery Eggs

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PerkysTreats
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/PerkyDaisy23
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@perkydaisy23