Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Patton.
Hi Ashley, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was in sales for most of my life and decided to take a step back to be home with my kids more. I was looking for opportunities I could still do that would help me contribute financially to my household, and my mother contacted me about her best friend’s business they were selling. My mom‘s best friends were these two retired ladies that lived in Sun City that had started a little cotton candy business Called cotton candy cowgirls; they were moving out of state, and we’re no longer wanting to do it and so they were looking to sell it I told my mom I would be interested in it and I went over and looked at their machines, and what they did and what they were building and I told him I would like to buy it since they were older, they weren’t doing as many events or doing parties and things like that they were mainly bagging it and selling it as favors so my mind kind of ran with me with business ideas and opportunities that could help make it grow. I started in about a year and a half ago, and it’s been amazing ever since I had the idea to start adding toppings like nerds, pop, rocks, marshmallows, and sprinkles to make it more fun and give a little bit more value. I also recently was able to start stamping and branding the cotton candy, which makes it very cute and custom for events and birthday parties. I try to make them really big, and I call them Texas-sized because we go big here in Texas, and the kids really love it; adults also love it because it reminds them of their childhood, and it’s very yummy. I have over 40 different flavors for adults and kids alike. We love doing events at schools, fundraisers, sports events, corporate events, farmers market, and parties. Any celebration!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Learning the machines has been a BIG challenge. They have a mind of their own at times. I’ve had them overheat and break midline. Also, cotton candy is not mother nature’s best friend. Air and humidity completely melt it. When I am outside at events, I have to be very cautious of that. I have also had a lot of Jealous vendors who won’t allow me places due to being jealous of how busy I can get. There’s room for all of us, and we should all support everyone’s small business, so I never think like that.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
We spin fresh gourmet cotton candy on the cone and top it with fun toppings. I spin them very big, fluffy, and fun to make sure the toppings sit nicely, and the kids can add as many as they want. I am known for how I spin the cotton candy and my toppings. I also make cotton candy cakes and custom party favors. I am most proud of how much I have accomplished in a year and seeing so many kids’ faces when they love our cotton candy and trying it for the first time. A lot of kids have never had cotton candy on the cone, so I love being a first for many kids. I think my flavors options set me apart from others. I don’t just have your typical flavors. I have flavors from jalapeño to gummy bear to bourbon to pink lemonade. They are all so yummy!
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Don’t sell your secrets. If you’re doing something right, don’t just go blast it around. A lot of people will try to take your hard work from you. Others will try to steal it for themselves.
Pricing:
- We charge $5 a cone
- $29 for our cakes
- $3.50 for our 16-ounce cotton candy tubs
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cottoncandycowgirls.com/
- Instagram: @cottonccgirls
