What started as two 9-year-old best friends selling bags of cotton candy to their peers at school to save for college has now morphed into a full-fledged business.
Cotton Candy University was founded by students Tinley Smith and Grace McCauley in June 2023. Both girls had dreams for something “bigger and more impactful,” and found their start by establishing their own cotton candy business.
“Being part of a small business as a kid is a big responsibility,” says Smith, co-owner of Cotton Candy University. “It takes a lot of hard work.”
Over the course of the last year, Smith and McCauley have spent countless hours concocting more than 30 different all-natural cotton candy flavors, including standard and gourmet flavors.
Currently, Cotton Candy University flavor offerings include green apple, birthday cake, marshmallow, mermaid, peppermint, watermelon and more.
Cotton Candy University currently sells two sizes, small and large, which retail for $5 and $8 each, respectively.
Within six months of Cotton Candy University expanding from peers at school to the general public for orders, Smith and McCauley established their products permanently at Apple Works. Since then, they’ve expanded and also sell their products at Dollie’s Farm.
Cotton Candy University was also named “Start Up of The Year” by Inside INdiana Business in May 2024.
“Owning a business is a lot of work,” says McCauley. “There are always things to do, but you have to choose what is the best for you.”
Cotton Candy University can be bought online at mycottoncandyuniversity.com and in-person at Apple Works and Dollie’s Farm.
