Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandy Maldonado.
Hi Brandy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started Picalicious from a personal challenge to try and remake dulce enchilados that my coworker brought back from Mexico back in 2021. After a few trial runs, I made a hit! I would make small batches of gummy bears for my coworker, who unbeknownst to me was actually giving away samples to anyone and everyone. I would go into work (I was a bartender) people would ask me to make them their own bags of candy, and they wanted to pay me. So, I jumped at the opportunity to make a few extra bucks any chance I got. Fast forward a little over a year with the support of family & friends, I was able to stop working my day job and focus on this now thriving business. I found local pop-up markets to join back in the Summer of 2022 so I could get my name/brand out there. I’m grateful to say my watermelon chamoy is in 2 Houston restaurant/bars as well.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I’ve pushed out products that were complete misses. I just use those as learning experiences. I’ve had months where I’ve been in the negative. But I keep pushing myself because I actually love what I do.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Picalicious HTX?
Picalicious started out as a chile gummie business but has grown into what I call your favorite snack plug connection. We’re known for having a sweet spice blend. All the candy is double-coated so you can enjoy a dry non sticky-coated treat. I’m best known for having pistachios on my secret menu… Recently I added koolickles aka flavored pickles. Berry Hibiscus is my top-selling item right now. I’m extremely proud of my entire menu, but I’m proud that I can bring back some nostalgia of the 90’s with my products and flavor. I want others to know I do also offer catering and bulk packages. I plan to focus on catering candy bars at special occasions/events this upcoming year.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My advice would be to talk and take notes from everyone you meet. There is room for all of us at the top.
Pricing:
- $5- small chamoy
- $10-large chamoy/candy
- $25-sample boxes(10 candies, 2 oz each)
- $40+-party platter
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/pica.licioushtx?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/picalicioushtx?mibextid=ZbWKwL
- Other: https://linktr.ee/pica.licioushtx?fbclid=PAAaZhzj6iolOE3nOxMKzlKUpEvsGcxGzjGBs7pA69tGJlE26INrapiKSCCdk
