We recently connected with Alesha Smith and have shared our conversation below.

Alesha, appreciate you joining us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

Growing up in Baltimore, one of the highlights of my childhood was our field trips to Washington, DC. Every time we visited, I would make sure to stop by the Air and Space Museum’s gift shop. Rockets and space suits fascinated me—but it was the “Space Ice Cream” that I kept me coming back. There was something magical about this freeze-dried treat, and I always wondered how they made it. I dreamed of learning how to combine science and food in that way one day.

As the years went by, that curiosity stayed with me. It wasn’t just about eating a fun treat anymore—it was about figuring out how it worked and bringing that experience to life on my own. The dream of owning a freeze dryer became a goal, something that would drive me forward. It even became the motivation I needed to fight for my VA disability benefits. After nearly two decades, when I finally received my rating, I used my back pay to buy my very first freeze dryer.

Of course, I had to start small, and the first thing I put in the machine was something simple: apples and bananas. Watching them transform through the freeze-drying process reignited my passion. But then, something caught my eye—TikTok. I started seeing how freeze-dried candy was gaining popularity, and that sparked an idea. Why not try making candy myself? I had the equipment, I had the curiosity, and now, I had the motivation to take my passion for freeze-dried treats and turn it into something much bigger.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My journey into this industry is a blend of passion, resilience, and a bit of science! The idea of turning something as perishable as ice cream into something shelf-stable fascinated me. That childhood curiosity stuck with me, and freeze-dried treats have always held a special place in my heart.

But the road to where I am now was anything but smooth. I joined the Army in November 2000 as an Ammunition Specialist and served in Afghanistan in 2002. After leaving the Army in 2004, transitioning to civilian life was one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced. I went from a close-knit family where I knew my place and purpose to a world of uncertainty, struggling to find my footing. I tried my hand at a few business ventures, but none of them sparked the passion I was searching for.

With my VA disability back pay, I fulfilled a dream—I bought my first freeze dryer. At first, it was just for fun, experimenting with freeze-dried candy for my family and friends. But the response was incredible, and in early 2024, I turned it into a full-blown business. My unique approach to candy-making uses the freeze-drying process to create intense, flavorful, and mess-free treats. As a mom of three, I know the importance of creating snacks that are easy for kids to enjoy, and that’s been a big part of my inspiration. My kids have been my taste-testers and motivators throughout the journey.

What sets me apart from others in the industry is my deep love for science and how it intersects with food. Freeze-drying removes moisture, which concentrates the flavor, giving my candies a texture and taste that’s hard to find elsewhere. I’m also proud of the fact that my products are fun, flavorful, and unique, but rooted in my passion for innovation and serving others.

What I want people to know most about my brand is that it’s not just about candy—it’s about a journey of perseverance, passion, and creativity. From struggling to find my place after the military to building a business that brings joy to others, I’ve poured everything into this. And now, with a collaboration with Sweet Factory, I’m excited to see where this dream goes next. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I hope to inspire others, especially veterans, to find their path too.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One story that really illustrates my resilience goes back to when I was fighting for my VA disability. For nearly 19 years after leaving the Army, I struggled with the process of filing claims and dealing with the VA system. The transition out of the military had already been incredibly tough—going from a structured environment with a clear purpose to a civilian world where I felt completely lost. The weight of that uncertainty, combined with the frustration of not being able to get the support I needed, was overwhelming at times.

During those years, I juggled odd jobs and business ventures, but none of them gave me that sense of fulfillment. What kept me going was gaming and the community I found through it. That’s how I discovered StackUp.org in 2018, and it was a game-changer. Working with other veterans and hearing their stories made me realize I wasn’t alone in my struggles. It gave me the confidence to really pursue my VA disability claim, even though the process felt like a constant uphill battle.

What helped me push through was setting a personal goal. After 19 years of waiting, I finally received my rating. I bought my first freeze dryer and immediately started experimenting- it was the first step toward something bigger. What started as a simple dream turned into a business, but more than that, it was a reminder that no matter how long the road, resilience can lead to something amazing. That freeze dryer, which began as a symbol of persistence, is now at the heart of my candy business. It represents the journey, the struggles, and the eventual triumph.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe the key to building my reputation within the market has been a combination of authenticity, innovation, and a deep connection with my community. From the start, my approach has been rooted in my personal journey—my experiences as a veteran, a mother, and someone who’s always had a fascination with the science behind food. People can sense when you’re genuine, and that authenticity has helped me create real relationships with customers, other veterans, and even businesses like Sweet Factory.

Innovation has also been a big part of what sets my brand apart. Freeze-dried candy is still a relatively new concept for a lot of people, and the unique texture, intense flavors, and convenience of my products resonate with those looking for something different. I’m always experimenting with new ideas and flavors, driven by that same curiosity I had as a kid when I first encountered freeze-dried ice cream at the Air and Space Museum.

What really helped solidify my reputation, though, was being able to connect my personal story to my business. People appreciate knowing the “why” behind the brand, and for me, it’s not just about making candy—it’s about resilience, creativity, and bringing joy to others.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PerkysTreats
• Twitter: https://x.com/PerkysTreats
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@perkydaisy23