BUDA — Cristina Cochran and her long-time friend, who was like a sister, made a pact: if something happened to her, Cochran would take in her daughter, Alivia Mckanney, who has special needs. When that time came, she and her husband noticed Mckanney’s isolation. To combat it, they opened Cristina’s Crazy Confections two years ago.
“My husband and I brainstormed on what kind of skills that we thought she had so we could start a business, so that [Mckanney] could kind of get out and mingle with people,” explained Cochran. “It was between making a casserole business and the freeze-dried candy … Everything about her is wonderful and childlike, so she really likes candy. It was an easy pick. She would definitely be able to sell it because she enjoys it so much.”
According to Cochran, the process is similar to a huge dehydrator, as it heats the items until the moisture is removed, but then, it immediately freezes them.
The confectionery initially began with candy, but has since expanded its menu, including vegetables, fruit, ice cream and even oatmeal cream pies. The offerings change based on the season, but their menu for the summer months are as follows, although it is not an extensive list:
• Gushers
• Watermelon gummies
• HI-CHEWs in a variety of flavors
• PAYDAY
•Lucky Charms marshmallows
• OREOs
• Oatmeal pies
• Mango
• Strawberry
• Peach
• Blueberry
• Banana
• Zucchini
• Asparagus
• Cauliflower
• Corn
• Beets
To add variation to the options, they regularly experiment with seasonings, such as wasabi, ranch, lemon pepper and more. Chamoy and Tajin are on the list of upcoming flavors, as the family recognizes there is a large audience for it in the area.
The mastermind behind the evolution of the products is Mckanney: “She comes up with a lot of ideas [and] she’s probably our main salesperson. We’re teaching [Mckanney] how to run it. We’re teaching her how to put money aside for taxes or teaching her how to do payroll and how to do wholesale. Then, in about two years when we think she’s ready, this will be completely run by [her]. It’ll completely be her business,” said Cochran.
The prices vary depending on the length of time it takes to make, but range from $5 to $20 for large batches. Cochran explained that on a recent trip to South Padre, the family visited a candy store and noticed that the prices were significantly higher. For example, freeze dried peaches were $13.99 for two ounces, while Cristina’s Crazy Confections sells 12 ounces for $12.
Despite its variety and prices, Cochran recognizes the competitive nature of the business.
“I would [encourage customers] to shop around because everybody is offering something a little different,” she said. “Look around at people’s menus and see what the little niches are, what everybody is doing different. We do freeze-dried OREOs and a lot of people don’t do that … We really focus on our variety; that’s our niche is trying to have a little bit of everything … We want you to walk away feeling like a kid in a candy store.”
Since their move to Buda three years ago, the Cochran-Mckanney family has been overwhelmed with the community’s responsiveness. Cochran noted that there are several “mama hens” in her neighborhood that keep an eye on Mckanney when they are away, help her with the business or offer her rides to spots around town.
“I couldn’t be more relieved we’re in a place where people make space for her and she is safe. That means a lot to me,” said Cochran.
She continued the praise when it comes to the market community, as well, stating that “it really is a community. I kind of feel like we’re a traveling circus where all the vendors are friends and you just kind of pick up your tents together and move to the next location, so we’re really lucky that we found a good crew of people.”
Currently, the business is sharing a space with Em Dash Books in The Carrington, located at 300 N. Main St., Buda, and aims to begin looking at spaces with the bookstore owner soon. The confectionery also regularly attends Kyle Market Days and popular Buda events. Other chances to taste the sweets include: Blanco Brew in Wimberley every Sunday; Moontower Saloon on Saturday nights in Austin; and the Farmers & Artisans Market of Lockhart.
“Honestly, the sweetest thing I have to offer is [Mckanney]. She’s the sweetest thing we have. So, I can’t really say that you should definitely buy from us compared to other companies because everybody is honestly doing something different, but I do think that if you give us a try that you would know why you should come back,” concluded Cochran.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/cristina.s.crazy.confections.
Freeze-dried food business aids young woman
Cristina Cochran and her longtime friend, who was like a sister, made a pact: if something happened to her, Cochran would take in her daughter, Alivia Mckanney, who has special needs. When that time came, she and her husband noticed Mckanney’s isolation.
- 07/31/2024 09:00 PM
