Ashley Trinidad, 27

Occupation: Chief Sugar Officer, Coco’s Sweet Treats, Eustis

What I do: I run all aspects of Coco’s Sweet Treats. I create all the cotton candy sugars from scratch and I come up with packaging, designs and marketing. I source and attend the events as well.

My journey: I started Coco’s Sweet Treats in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic after I stumbled across a cotton candy video, bought my first machine and did a soft launch running a cottage food operation. Once the world opened up again, I got my mobile food license and started doing weekly events. 

Why sweets are my passion: Coco’s was born out of a need to be reconnected with the community that I grew up in. Coco’s Cotton Candy has become everything from a birthday favor staple to a holiday tradition for families in the area.

Notable achievement: Looking back, our biggest accomplishments are all because the community accepted us with open arms. We have been able to give back to Lake Cares Food Pantry, Toddlers of Lake County and multiple photographers in the area, who we work closely with at all the events.

Words of wisdom: Life has different plans so keep your mind open and absorb everything you can, even if the moment is not ideal. One day you will find your purpose.

Outside the shop: I don’t have a lot of spare time, but I love a good book and to play disc golf at one of the local courses with my husband.

Life after 40: We have a little one on the way and I am still focused on growing Coco’s and expanding. I have some ideas on creating small business classes and continuing coaching and advising other small businesses to help them grow.