Meet Shyana Barrozo | Entrepreneur, Cotton Candy Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shyana Barrozo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shyana, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I knew from a pretty young age that my goal was to own a business one day. When I started Sugar High Cotton Candy, I just turned 25 years old and was working at a restaurant in an RV park. I was desperate to change my life somehow and do something different. What intrigued me most about entrepreneurship is the unlimited potential to make money and allowing yourself the freedom that comes with it. There’s something very empowering about being your own boss and calling the shots. Being a business owner can be very scary at times as you are responsible for everything that happens within your business and there are a lot of learning curves. That’s another reason why it’s so intriguing to me, really keeps me stimulated and on my toes.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I got my first job when I was 15 years old at the Waffle House in my town. I ended up serving tables for 10 years at various restaurants throughout southwest Florida, dabbling into other things here and there but always falling back on serving. Throughout that time, I really learned how to interact with customers and work for my tips. I could talk to anybody and get through any problem with a customer on their worst day. I felt like I perfected that aspect of my career. At 25 I decided I was going to risk it all and figure out how to start my own business. None of what I described so far was easy. Actually, most of it was very challenging and tested every fiber of my patience. I wouldn’t change any of it though! Believing you can do it regardless of your circumstances is a very powerful thing. You have to push through the hard to get to the good. I accepted help when I was offered and worked on my patience because things like this can take time to build into your original vision. I’m so excited to expand my business into what I know it’s capable of. I’ve learned that you have to go through trial and error before finding the answer. Failure is a part of the success and that it is completely okay. I want the world to know that Sugar High Cotton Candy was founded simply on a dream, and we have so much more in store as we progress as a company. I want people to know that I didn’t know everything before I started the company. I learned along the way; you just have to take the jump and risk it!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
To be completely honest, I would need someone to plan an itinerary for me when going to Miami. I lived in Aventura for a short time and would definitely visit the Aventura Mall and do some heavy shopping. We would probably take a trip downtown. Visit the stadium for a game and hit some of the top restaurants in the area. I would plan a trip to the beach, as we both love the ocean and sunbathing. Trips to the museums are a must in every town we visit so that would also be on the list as well.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family and friends who believed in me. Most people could not see my cotton candy vision but there were a select few and it made all of the difference. They knew I could make something out of nothing if I was determined enough.

Instagram: @sugarhighcottoncandy_

Facebook: Sugar High Cotton Candy

Image Credits
@lindseywhitephoto
@_leslieslens