Teen Entrepreneur Turns Candy Dreams into Disney Deals

Aubrie Sink, an 18-year-old from Northern Kentucky, has transformed her passion for sweets into a thriving business, Freezin' with Aubrie. Her entrepreneurial spirit, evident since childhood with newspaper deliveries and later jam sales, led her to discover freeze-dried candy. Initially hesitant, her mother, Cristina, eventually supported the venture after tasting freeze-dried Skittles, leading to the purchase of their first freeze dryer.

The business experienced rapid growth, especially after 2020, fueled by viral TikTok trends. Sink’s ability to create popular freeze-dried treats like Skittles and gummy candies quickly outgrew their home production. This success necessitated a move to a commercial kitchen and eventually a brick-and-mortar store in Florence, Kentucky.

Freezin' with Aubrie has expanded its reach significantly, with products sold in approximately 30 states. A major highlight is the partnership with Disney, supplying freeze-dried candies to gift shops at Magic Kingdom and Epcot. The company also collaborates with other large entities like the Cincinnati Zoo and Six Flags.

Currently employing about 14 people, Sink manages large orders, including those for Disney and Kalahari, which can take two to three weeks to prepare, sometimes longer for items like ice cream. Despite the demands, Sink is pursuing her education at the University of Kentucky and plans future expansion, potentially including another store or a food truck for specialty drinks.