Why I'm Doing It:

At Cotton Candy Charms, every charm, bracelet, and keychain is more than just a fun accessory—it’s a reminder of creativity, joy, and the magic that comes with making something by hand. I started this business to bring that sense of wonder and play into the lives of kids, just as I once experienced as a child. When I was in grade school, my best friend Noelle and I would make beaded bracelets and hair barrettes together, creating fun, colorful accessories that filled us with so much joy. Now, many years later, I’ve rekindled that passion and transformed it into a business, bringing little bits of happiness to children everywhere.

After retiring from my career as a special education teacher and undergoing a major surgery, I found myself seeking something positive to focus on during my recovery. That’s when I rediscovered my love for crafting, and it soon became an obsession. I was captivated by the science of resin charms—the way you could mix colors, shapes, and themes to create little worlds of joy. It felt like telling a story within each charm, capturing something magical in a tiny, wearable piece of art. What started as a hobby quickly became something much bigger, and now, Cotton Candy Charms is my way of sharing that magic with kids across the Tri-State area.

Why I Love It:

I love what I do because it allows me to create something that sparks excitement and creativity in kids. Each charm or accessory is more than just an object—it’s an opportunity for children to express themselves, embrace their imagination, and find joy in something handmade. The colors, the themes, the tiny little details—I pour my heart into each piece, and it’s so rewarding to see how these creations bring a smile to a child’s face.

What excites me most is how I’m able to bring my own childhood memories into something that resonates with today’s kids. I can see the same excitement I felt as a kid when making something special, and it feels wonderful knowing that my designs are helping to create that same spark for others.

Why I Started the Business:

Cotton Candy Charms wasn’t something I ever planned—it started out as a hobby to help me focus on something positive during my recovery. But as I kept making charms, bracelets, and keychains, I realized how much joy it brought not just to me, but to others too. My childhood friend Noelle came to visit and was amazed by how many ideas I had and the intricate designs I was creating. She encouraged me to showcase my work at a local craft show. What was supposed to be a fun, personal project quickly snowballed into something much bigger, and Cotton Candy Charms became a business. It grew all over the Tri-State area, and I was humbled to see how much kids loved the accessories I created.

It’s been a truly unexpected and beautiful journey. What began as a way to cope with a personal challenge has turned into a way to connect with children, parents, and communities through the joy of handmade accessories.

Why I’m Passionate About It:

I’m passionate about Cotton Candy Charms because I see how much it means to kids. In a world filled with distractions, I want to create something that fosters imagination and creativity. I love seeing how excited children get when they receive a new charm or bracelet, or when they discover a new character or theme that speaks to them. It’s about creating more than just accessories—it’s about creating experiences and memories.

There’s also a deeper mission I’m passionate about. I want to give back by supporting children who are facing health challenges just as I have. I plan to donate a portion of my proceeds to childhood cancer research and hope to offer bead kits for children undergoing treatment, giving them a creative outlet during treatment and recovery. I want to be a part of their healing journey, helping them focus on something bright and positive, just as crafting has helped me through difficult times.

Vision for the Future:

My vision for Cotton Candy Charms is to build a brand that excites kids, keeps them coming back for new, fun designs, and sparks their creativity. I want kids to look forward to each new release and feel the same joy I felt when I made my first bracelets and barrettes with Noelle. Ultimately, I want to create a lasting impact—not just by making beautiful products, but by spreading joy, creativity, and hope to kids everywhere.