This week’s Farmer Focus is on junior Larry Rico, a young entrepreneur who is a co-founder of a new startup freeze-dried candy business, Star Struck Candy.

SNAPSHOTS

If you could have a superpower, what would it be: Teleportation

Sweet or sour: Sour

Favorite restaurant: Olive Garden

One animal you wish you could have as a pet: Monkey

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go: England

ZOOMING IN

Q: Describe the process for starting a business.

A: “What started it off is I had one of my own separate businesses and so did one of my friends. To get money to start those businesses, we thought of the idea of freeze-dried candy or candy in general, and that’s what brought the idea [to life]. It just popped up out of nowhere, and we thought it was a good idea; I believe the teacher thought it was a good idea, so now we’re starting.”

Q: What challenges have you faced regarding the business?

A: “Challenges that have come through the business is finding what people want, but we’ve interviewed many to find what they all have in common. Students seem interested in Sour Patch Kids, Nerds Gummy Clusters and Jolly Ranchers.”

Q: Describe the economic side of your business.

A: “The idea for the business was started three weeks ago, and we started selling candy last week. We are starting very slow and getting up as time goes, so as we get money we are reinvesting that into the business.”

Q: How has being in Incubator facilitated your businesses growth?

A: “It makes the journey much easier knowing you have mentors and a teacher who believes in you. It really teaches you all the business aspects of it. Being in that class you learn a lot, but you have to make sure you’re doing your side of the business.”

Q: Explain what it’s been like co-running a business with your partner.

A: “So far it’s going pretty good. We know what most students have in common and what types of candies they like: Jolly Ranchers, Nerds Gummy Clusters, Airheads, Skittles, all types of Skittles and Sweet Tart Ropes. We’re trying to sell as much candy as possible, hopefully with those freeze-dried Skittles it creates a new texture for people to try.”

Q: What is it like with the other businesses in the Incubator class?

A: “At the end of the year there’s a pitch, where you pitch your idea to someone and if they really like it I believe you get money out of it. So our goal is to obviously win some money; it would be very nice to win some money.” 

Q: What are some plans you and your partner have for the business?

A: “The plan we have is that all the money we get is divided between the two, and if it does get to something big, we can keep expanding and growing the business. If not, we know what it feels like to be founders of a business.”

Q: Describe what work you do for the business inside and outside of class. 

A: “Outside of class I work on the marketing side of it, making sure we can create posts for our Insta, @starstruckcandy. Inside of school we work on many ideas, that’s when we get lots of time to interview others.”

Q: Define what professionalism means to you in a business setting.

A: “Professionalism means to always be respectful, to always make sure your customers are satisfied and that you’re always doing the best of your ability.”

Q: What advice would you give fellow entrepreneurs?

A: “My advice is always outwork someone because everyone has the same amount of time, so if you were to give up time to something else you’re not really working as hard as you possibly can, so use your time wisely.”