Today we’d like to introduce you to Bryan Rubio.
Hi Bryan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always found pure joy in the simplest of pleasures. When I was a kid, I would ride my bike to the local gas station to spend my birthday money on a game of Pac-Man, the latest comic book, and sweet treats—each more delicious than the last. I loved them all—from tangy, salty-sour chili candies to rich, melt-in-your-mouth chocolates.
Then one day, I saw Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory—and my candy-loving imagination exploded into technicolor. I realized that candy wasn’t just about flavor. It was about magic. Wonder. Possibility. A world where anything could happen, and everyone was welcome.
Fast-forward several decades: after 25 years working in the nonprofit world as a fundraiser and helping communities grow stronger, I never stopped dreaming of candy. And one day, that dream found its name—thanks to a surprise gift (much to my wife’s dismay): a chubby little pug puppy. I named him exactly what any sane person would: Sir Pugsy Pickles, “Mr. Pickles,” for short.
Inspired by my loyal, squishy-faced sidekick, Mr. Pickles Candy was born.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I started Mr. Pickles Candy just over two years ago, selling at farmer’s markets across the city. In the beginning, I only made Mexican-spiced candies which are not for everyone, but something I loved and personally enjoyed. I had spent a lot of time on my branding and focused a lot of it on my pup, Mr Pickles. For months, I would be asked continually if the candies were for dogs. Ha!
In those early days, I would spend hours making candy late into the night and then wake up early to pack up tents, tables, and coolers down to the market. It was hard work for not a lot of return, but I loved it. I struggled in those early days and months. I covered my costs but not much more. I learned a lot, like people don’t buy candy around Halloween (they have a lot at home already!) and to tone down the pug branding and lean into social media more.
By the second year, I was actually able to start saving some money and, over time, saved up enough to start thinking about a brick-and-mortar. But a reasonable lease for a small candy store–good luck! Thankfully, I had some good friends who kept a keen eye out for a spot. That’s how I found my spot on Kerbey Lane. After several months of work, and a few scrapes with electrocution, I opened this past August.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Imagine a candy shop where every treat is crafted with love and a dash of whimsy—where nostalgic favorites sit alongside wild new creations, and every bite is a burst of delight. From classic confections to tangy chili chamoy-covered gems, there’s something here to tickle every taste bud and gifts that will spark every sweet memory. Need something specially made for a birthday, graduation, or bar/bat mitzvah? We can design and create a special treat just for you!
But what makes Mr. Pickles Candy truly magical isn’t just what’s in the jars, bags, or boxes—it’s what’s in our hearts.
A portion of every purchase goes directly to local animal charities, so every treat you enjoy helps rescue, care for, and love animals in need. So come along! Join us on this sugar-coated adventure. Whether you’re hunting for that perfect childhood throwback, exploring our newest, Mr. Pickles Candy is your passport to a world where imagination runs wild, joy is always on the menu, and every treat is made with purpose.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the power of relationships and the courage to ask for help. As a professional fundraiser, you might think this would come naturally—but it hasn’t always been easy. Asking for help can feel vulnerable, and accepting it can be even harder.
Thankfully, I’ve been surrounded by incredible friends and mentors who’ve encouraged me to stretch beyond my own perceived limits. Through their support, I’ve learned to embrace help not as a weakness, but as a strength. That shift has allowed me to grow in ways I couldn’t have imagined—and now, I try to pay that forward by supporting others in the same way.
Pricing:
- Candies start at $0.10
- Gifts start at $5.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mrpicklescandy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrpicklescandy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557557073797
Image Credits
Bryan Z. Rubio
