You know when you come across something that is so unique and creatively inspired, that you instantly know that it’s coming straight from someone’s heart? That’s exactly how I felt when I came across Cloe Lane’s cotton candy cart, Bon Puf.
Bon Puf is an organic, all-natural cotton candy cart that has attended its fair share of parties; everywhere from private gatherings to weddings to street fairs to Coachella. Cloe has come up with unique, tasty flavours like Mango Chili, Chai Tea and Honey Rose… (yum!) and she’s sharing how the idea first came about, and how she went about making it a reality.
Meet Cloe Lane…
Where are you in the world?
I hail from Southern California! More specifically Bon Puf headquarters is located in Mar Vista, just inland from Venice California.
How do you follow your bliss all year round?
I find bliss in the little things: the ocean, good conversations, sunshine, bright colors, things that smell like vanilla, and exploring my hometown of Los Angeles with my boyfriend. We were both born and raised here so we know all the local spots but every now and then we will find a hidden gem. I also love to travel any chance I get. Whether to Big Sur or the Masai Mara region in Kenya, adventures help me stay inspired and widen my horizons to new experiences and ways of life.
When did the inspiration for Bon Puf first come about?
The year after I graduated high school I decided to take a break from the school grind, slow down, and really think about what I wanted my next chapter of life to look like. It was during this time I had the idea for a cute cotton candy cart and started researching organic sugar and developing what would become Bon Puf. Ever since I was little I have always loved cotton candy. Growing up in Santa Monica I have fond memories of enjoying sweet pink clouds at the pier. The Inspiration for Bon Puf really came out of those memories.
If fear ever shows up in your life, how do you move passed it?
Fear. Ugh it’s the worst. It sinks in and sometimes it is so hard to shake. I think there is something to fully embracing fear and not trying to pretend its not there. Fear can drive you to accomplish great things and can motivate you to press in, work hard, and hope for the best. Anyone worth looking up to as a role model has been faced with fear. Realizing that helps me to feel encouraged and brave.
Why do you love what you do?
Since I mainly serve cotton candy at private events such as weddings, birthdays, and other personal celebrations, I love that I get paid to go to parties! I love being in a celebratory atmosphere and being a part of my client’s very special day. I love delighting people with sweet treats, talking to partygoers, and adding unexpected whimsy to already magical celebrations. My job takes me all over Southern California and beyond and I have loved meeting so many wonderful like-minded people, and taking part in some wonderful opportunities. This year Bon Puf had the chance to be at Coachella! It was two crazy weekends of hard work and endless fun. At the end of it all I had to pinch my self, it was such a wonderful experience it felt like a dream. Too good to be true.
What’s one of the biggest risks you’ve taken, and how did it feel to go for it?
The summer after graduating high school I was all set to attend my local community college, I was registered and had a schedule of classes lined up. It just didn’t feel right. I decided to drop all my classes and three weeks later I was on a plane headed for the South of France. I stayed in a very small town near the coast and worked at a missionary school. I mostly worked in the kitchen and learned how to cook. It was terrifying to say good-bye to what was familiar, safe and comfortable but it was so worth it. I learned so much, matured and over all, made some good friends and had a wonderful time. This experience made it easier to take a risk on Bon Puf and jump into turning an idea into a business. The first risk is always the hardest but once you start pushing your comfort zone, fewer things seem insurmountable.
Tell us a time when something totally synchronistic happened?
When I was in France I met two girls who were also from California! Three California girls in France! We became fast friends and I loved hearing their life stories, which were colorful and inspiring to say the least. During this season of life I needed someone to look up to and they were there for me like older sisters.
What advice could you give to someone who knows what they love to do, but haven’t gone for it?
First of all I would tell them, “Hey it’s really rad that you know what you love and want to do”. That can be the hardest step! But the next step takes some determination, fearlessness, and movement. I would say weigh the risks, put some thought into creating a game plan, and go for it!!!!!! I have realized through my Bon Puf adventures that following a dream and letting it bloom into a reality is one of the most empowering things I have ever done.
Sankofa
Great job Cloe