Conversations with Barbie Warfield

Today we’d like to introduce you to Barbie Warfield.

Barbie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Crazy enough, we started during COVID. With so many people stressed out, I wanted to bring joy and happiness into other people’s lives.

We wanted to provide a uniquely personal experience at live events but with the ongoing pandemic, we pivoted to doing more favors and gift boxes. Turns out, we love doing anything possible to bring cotton candy into people’s lives but we cannot wait to increase our level of life experiences that include weddings, showers, corporate events, birthdays, or any other occasion.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been a very bumpy and windy road. We started in the summer of 2020 when it appeared that the worst of the pandemic was behind us and that life was getting close to being back to “normal.” Then the second wave hit and large gatherings nearly ceased.

We knew we had to pivot and find a way to bring our passion into the community. We started to do deliveries, favors, gift boxes that included alcohol, and our own famous “glitter bombs.” It worked and we had an amazing holiday season where demand exceeded supply.

Now we are navigating being a full-service operation where live events are more incorporated while retaining the great things we have done thus far. We also have our product in a retail store for the 1st time.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What I love most about spinning cotton candy is using my creativity to constantly handcraft new products. We are always working on seasonal offerings, gift ideas, and ways we can incorporate our product into the appropriate setting.

Peppermint, candy cane, and cocoa bombs for Christmas time. Valentine’s boxes with hearts, Easter pastel cotton candy stuffed into carrot decor, etc. Of course, we love doing glitter bombs for weddings, anniversaries, and celebrations. If there is a custom flavor we can make, put us up to the challenge, we love to experiment and have lots of happy tasters that help us get it just right.

As we evolve, we look to bring more and more of our personal touches in a variety of ways. Literally… no one else in this state is doing anything like this.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
We started during COVID and have learned a few very important lessons. First, we have had to adapt and be nimble. Supply chains are brutal and events are constantly being canceled. Flexibility is essential.

Second, people are longing for a personal connection. So many things are done online and this pandemic has made us become even less active. Making a connection with our clients and helping them plan their dream party is immensely gratifying. For many, this is the first big event in a long time and we can feel the excitement and energy.

Third, perseverance. If we can successfully start a business that is largely based on gatherings and events during a pandemic, then we can do anything. There’s been some hard days along with the way… canceled events, issues getting product or packaging, scheduling, weather, and many others. But we’ve stayed positive and have had so many wonderful people rally around us and lift us up.

Contact Info:

• Email: Cottondreamsco@gmail.con
• Website: CottonDreamsCo.com
• Instagram: @cottondreamsco
• Facebook: CottonDreamsCo

Image Credits
Kathleen Rose Photography and Alex Youssef