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Hannah’s story is one of creativity, resilience, and taking unexpected opportunities to build something extraordinary. As the founder of Floof Cotton Candy, a business specialising in unique cotton candy cakes, Hannah has created a brand that combines joy, innovation, and a touch of nostalgia. However, her path to success was anything but conventional.
A Sweet Idea Takes Root
Before starting her business, Hannah worked as a sign language interpreter, a profession worlds away from sugary treats. It was during her travels in Australia that the seed for Floof Cotton Candy was planted. While working at a carnival, she noticed the magic of what Australians call "fairy floss" and was intrigued by its incredible profit margins. The idea stayed with her, simmering in the back of her mind.
Years later, during the pandemic, that idea turned into action. With events on hold and life upended, Hannah decided to take a leap of faith. She purchased a cotton candy cart and began experimenting with different flavours, textures, and presentations. What started as a creative outlet soon transformed into something much bigger.
The Viral Moment That Changed Everything
Like many small business owners, Hannah turned to social media to share her creations. She started posting instructional videos on TikTok, aiming to educate her customers on how to care for and enjoy her cotton candy cakes. What she didn’t anticipate was going viral.
One of her videos garnered millions of views, catapulting her business into the spotlight. The response was overwhelming, with orders flooding in from across the country. This unexpected success forced Hannah to scale quickly, moving her website to Shopify to handle the demand and upgrading her operations from a home kitchen to a dedicated production space.
Building a Team and a Brand
As the business grew, so did the need for a team. Hannah hired her first staff member and began creating a vibrant workplace that reflected Floof’s playful and joyful brand. From pink walls to glittering sugar, her production space embodies the fun and creativity that her customers love.
Balancing the demands of running a business with maintaining a strong brand identity hasn’t been without its challenges. Hannah shared the importance of making tough decisions, such as letting go of products that weren’t profitable, despite their popularity. One example was the cotton candy push pops, a product that delighted customers but proved too time-consuming and expensive to produce.
The Power of Partnership
A pivotal moment in Floof’s journey came when Shopify reached out to Hannah. Impressed by her story and her innovative use of their platform, Shopify’s team filmed a feature on Floof, sharing her journey with a global audience. This partnership not only amplified her brand but also validated the hard work and creativity that had gone into building her business.
Looking Ahead: Big Dreams for Floof
Hannah’s vision for Floof doesn’t stop here. She dreams of making her cotton candy cakes a household name, especially for those with food allergies who often miss out on enjoying traditional cakes. She also hopes to expand her shipping operations internationally, bringing Floof to customers in the UK and beyond.
Additionally, Hannah has her sights set on franchising her cotton candy carts, offering others the opportunity to bring joy to their communities while creating a side hustle of their own.
Lessons from Floof
Hannah’s story offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs. From leveraging social media to build a loyal following to making data-driven decisions about scaling, her journey highlights the importance of adaptability and resilience. Most importantly, her experience underscores the power of staying true to your brand and creating a business that reflects your values and passions.