Some businesses begin with a market analysis. Others begin with a carefully crafted business plan.
Candy Riot began with friendship, Swedish candy, and a shared belief that life's sweetest moments deserve to be celebrated.
For New Canaan residents Lana Powers-Shears and Jessica Gomberg-Cohen, what started as a mutual obsession with discovering unique European sweets has evolved into one of Fairfield County's most exciting new lifestyle brands—a colorful, community-focused venture that blends elevated experiences, better ingredients, and a whole lot of fun.
While Candy Riot may be rooted in candy, its founders are quick to point out that the business is really about something much bigger.
"It's about creating moments people remember," they explain.
The idea emerged after both women left New York City and settled in Fairfield County, where they quickly became close friends. As mothers raising young families, they found themselves seeking out opportunities to connect with their community while creating meaningful experiences for their children.
At the same time, both were entering a new chapter professionally.
Lana had spent more than a decade building and ultimately selling a successful public relations agency, helping shape some of the country's leading wellness brands. Jessica built a thriving career in real estate, where relationships, customer experience, and trust sit at the center of everything she does.
As conversations about their future evolved, so did a realization that they wanted to build something together.
"We shared a love of candy and a passion for creating experiences," says Lana. "At some point, we realized there might actually be a business hiding inside those conversations."
The timing couldn't have been better.
Like many parents, both women had become increasingly mindful of the ingredients entering their homes. They weren't interested in eliminating treats or making childhood less fun. Instead, they wanted options that felt more aligned with how they already lived.
Their search led them across Europe.
As they explored Swedish candy and confectionery products from Germany, Italy, Spain, and beyond, they discovered something surprising: incredible flavors, unique textures, and products often made without artificial dyes and ingredients they preferred to avoid.
"We genuinely love candy," they laugh. "We never wanted Candy Riot to feel like a health food company. We wanted it to feel like candy—just made with better ingredients."
What surprised them most during their research wasn't simply the products themselves.
It was realizing that the candy industry hadn't fully evolved alongside modern consumer preferences.
Today's shoppers read ingredient labels. They care about sourcing. They seek experiences. And increasingly, they want products that feel intentional rather than mass-produced.
At the same time, Swedish candy was exploding across social media, with consumers eager to discover something different from what had long dominated traditional candy aisles.
The founders recognized an opportunity.
Rather than simply selling candy, they could reinvent the experience surrounding it.
That's where Candy Riot truly comes to life.
At the center of the concept is a beautifully designed mobile candy cart featuring a rotating collection of globally sourced gummies, sours, and sweets. Guests are invited to scoop, sample, customize, and create their own candy mix while discovering flavors and products they likely haven't encountered before.
The experience feels equal parts nostalgic, elevated, and interactive.
Whether appearing at birthday parties, school events, retail activations, weddings, fundraisers, or community gatherings, the cart transforms a simple sweet treat into something memorable.
"We wanted something that felt more elevated, more experiential, and more community-driven than a traditional candy store or candy buffet," says Jessica.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive—even before the official launch.
Support from local families, business owners, and community partners has reinforced their belief that people are craving opportunities to gather, celebrate, and connect.
That community-first mindset sits at the core of everything they do.
Launching locally wasn't simply a strategic business decision—it was personal.
Fairfield County is where they're raising their families, building friendships, and creating roots. It was also the inspiration behind the brand itself.
"We felt there was an opportunity to bring something fresh, fun, and different to the area," they explain. "There was no better place to launch than the community that inspired us."
As Candy Riot continues to grow, the founders envision much more than a local candy cart.
Over the next year, they plan to expand through pop-ups, brand collaborations, retail partnerships, custom gifting, and community activations throughout Connecticut and beyond.
Yet even as the business scales, they remain committed to preserving what made the idea special in the first place.
Friendship.
Community.
Joy.
And the belief that some of life's best moments happen when people gather together over something simple.
For other women considering entrepreneurship, their advice is equally straightforward.
"Don't wait until you have everything figured out," they say. "We started with an idea, a lot of enthusiasm, and plenty of things we didn't know. We figured it out as we went."
That willingness to leap into something new has already transformed a shared passion into a growing business.
And if the early excitement surrounding Candy Riot is any indication, this sweet idea is only getting started.
Sweet Local Favorites
Coffee: Zen Cha Matcha
Workout: Adrienne Fleming & The Formula by Meredith
Family Outing: Crafty Kids
Girls' Night: Blackbird
Sweet Treat: Van Leeuwen
What They Love Most About New Canaan
"The vibrant community, the small-town charm, and the countless opportunities for families to connect and create memories together."