An 11-year-old Watertown boy puts a spin on candy favorites and has started selling them at pop-ups and will be at the Faire on the Square.
Kai Pope started Kandy by Kai, and sells freeze-dried candy, said his mother, Lizz. The freeze drying process puffs up the candy.
“It totally changes the texture of the candy,” Lizz said. “It makes it a really fun way to enjoy something.”
Some of the brands he uses are Skittles and Jolly Ranchers, and he will be selling freeze-dried candy corn during the fall.
Kai learned how long and at what temperature to run the freeze-drying machine.
“He’s been having fun and he’s dedicated to it,” Lizz said.
After selling to some of his friends, Kai had the idea of bringing his product to the general public.
“He had the idea to ask (1st Yard Market owner) Omar (Omolade) if he could do a pop-up in front of his store,” Lizz said.
The first pop-up took place in August at 1st Yard Market and was a success, Lizz said. Kai has more sales planned, including at the Faire on the Square from noon-5 p.m. on Sept. 13, and at 1st Yard Market from noon-2 p.m. on Sept. 20, Oct. 4 and 18.