We recently had the chance to connect with Andrea Hancock and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Andrea, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: When was the last time you felt true joy?
The last time I felt pure joy was watching my daughter perform with her marching band, playing the vibraphone. Seeing her completely in the zone, moving in rhythm with her bandmates, filled me with so much happiness it brought me to tears. In that moment, I wasn’t just witnessing her joy—I could feel it, too. It was one of those rare, beautiful experiences where pride, love, and happiness all come together and overwhelm you in the best way.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m the founder of The Spun Doctor, a cotton candy and freeze-dried candy business I started in 2022. What began as a simple dream to spread joy and sweetness quickly grew into something much bigger. I started out spinning cotton candy, and a year later expanded into creating freeze-dried treats.
What makes The Spun Doctor special is the creativity and detail that goes into every order. I don’t just package candy—I design unique trays, custom stickers, and menus that match event themes. I also craft my own cotton candy sugars from scratch to give customers the best flavors possible, whether that means dye-free or free of artificial ingredients. One of my favorite projects was creating an “asthma awareness” candy tray where each treat symbolized something meaningful to the theme.
I’ve had the joy of spinning at Barbie-themed sweet sixteens with glowing cotton candy sticks, Harry Potter baby showers, autism awareness events, charity fundraisers, cheerleading events, and more. For me, it’s about more than just candy—it’s about creating moments of fun, creativity, and connection. Seeing the smiles my treats bring is the sweetest reward.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My mother, Melissa, has always seen me clearly—even before I could see myself. She’s my number one fan and biggest encourager. No matter what project I start, she’s the first to cheer me on and remind me of my potential. She’s come with me to vendor events, proudly tells people how amazing my treats are, and even shares them with her coworkers just to spread the word. Her excitement is contagious—she can turn a sad moment into one of confidence and joy in an instant.
She’s always been my ray of sunshine, lifting me up when I feel stuck and reminding me of how far I’ve come. Even when I was a kid, she recognized my entrepreneurial spirit. At 13 or 14, I was the neighborhood “candy lady,” and instead of being bothered by kids knocking at our door, she encouraged me to keep going and to do what I loved. That unwavering support has shaped so much of who I am today.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that has held me back the most is the fear of failure. For a long time, it made me second-guess myself and wonder if I was capable of building something that people would truly embrace. But through my journey with The Spun Doctor, I’ve learned that fear isn’t reality—it’s just a story we tell ourselves.
Over the years, I’ve been uplifted by the incredible support from my community. Even during times when I didn’t have many orders, I would suddenly see people recommending my business online, or an order would come in just when I needed encouragement the most. Those moments reminded me that I’m not failing—I’m growing, and I’m exactly where I need to be.
Because I chose not to let fear win, I’ve been invited back year after year to schools, parks, vendor events, and even businesses that trust me to create custom treats for their customers. I’m proud to say I no longer let fear of failure control me. Instead, I use it as fuel to keep proving to myself that I can—and will—succeed.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is very much the real me. I genuinely love meeting new people and sharing my craft, so when someone stops by my table, I’m filled with happiness. Those moments make me feel valued and appreciated.
One of the sweetest parts is seeing little kids beg their parents to come to my vendor tent—it fills my heart even if they don’t make it over. For me, it’s never just about candy. It’s about creating connections, sparking joy, and making memories. Every smile I see reminds me that what I do is bigger than a treat—it’s an experience of happiness I get to share with others.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
Yes, I’ve experienced that. I’ve learned that it’s rarely the “things” that truly satisfy us. A new purse, a promotion—those moments are exciting, but the joy doesn’t last long. What really fulfills me are the connections, the memories, and doing what I love with the people I love.
For me, happiness comes from spreading joy through my work, seeing others light up, and being present in those shared moments. That’s what lasts far beyond anything material.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.thespundoctor.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/thespundoc
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/thespundoc
