We had the good fortune of connecting with Valerie Gonzales and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Valerie, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
To be honest I never set out to make a business, it just sort of happened. I originally made candy just to share with my friends & family. One day I shared it with my nail tech and she shared it with her salon friends. Later that day the owner of her salon reached out to me and asked if I sold this candy because if I did she knew some friends who would be interested. So I Came home, thought of a name and how I was going to brand it and started up a Instagram account for my candy. At first I would take orders personally and a year later it’s become a real business with a website! It’s been so Incredible this last year to see how far it’s come.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I give american candies a Mexican twist by coating them in Tajin and chamoy. Being born and raised in phoenix I love to incorporate my city into my product by hiring local artists to do the art work for my candy. I have a rotating menu meaning each week I get to introduce new candy variations to my customers. I restock my website weekly and deliver a quality item. I’ve always taken pride in the presentation of my candy. I wanted my product to be Instagram pic ready. I always test out the product I will be selling, I buy quality candy, quality ingredients and quality packaging. I never cut corners on the products I use. I believe in providing a item that a consumer will be happy with once it arrives to their doorstep.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m definitely into music, food and art. So downtown Phoenix would be the place to go first, Matt’s big breakfast is always amazing. A little walk across the street to the Churchill because they have some great little shops Inside. And definitely Later on some drinks, old school arcade games and great music at cobra arcade. We have wonderful museums here and Some awesome music venues for shows like at The Van Buren and then you can always walk right next door and grab some late night slices of pizza at Ziggys pinball arcade.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Summer & Olivia from StashHouse AZ deserve credit for giving me my start and of course my family for being my biggest supporters.

Website: Www.taheenqueen.com
Instagram: @taheenqueen

Image Credits
Wilmar photography (2 close up candy images)

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