EDC CLIENT STORIES

Finding the right gift for a birthday can be difficult, let alone a thoughtful gift for deeply personal situations like a bad breakup, miscarriage or medical diagnosis. Candy Straight noticed that many people struggled to find appropriate gifts for these occasions. Finding a gap in the gifting market, Candy was inspired to create Flamingo Box Co., a gift-giving platform that helps solve the issue of finding the perfect gift for life’s messiest moments. Knowing she wanted to launch Flamingo Box Co. debt-free, Candy found a solution in the Economic Development Collaborative Small Business Development Center (EDC SBDC) and found the CA Dream Fund program.

The CA Dream Fund, facilitated by the Los Angeles SBDC Network, catalyzed Candy’s vision. Providing financial assistance, a comprehensive start-up training program and personalized guidance, the CA Dream Fund empowered Candy to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. Reflecting on her experience, Candy expressed, “I started looking for grants and came across the EDC, which helped me find all these phenomenal resources, and my mind was blown. I couldn’t believe that something like this existed. It made me fall in love with California even more because I realized that the state rewards companies that generate employment opportunities for other people. I fell in love with California even more through the EDC. My husband and I were both just in awe and beyond grateful.”

Integral to Flamingo Box Co.’s success was Candy’s partnership with EDC SBDC financial advisor, Tony Elliott. Tony’s mentorship went beyond conventional guidance; he became Candy’s unwavering advocate, offering invaluable insights and challenging her to confront the most demanding business decisions. Candy mentioned, “Tony was my specific advisor and he helped me with the nuts and bolts of my company. He was the right type of tough love that I needed. Tony asked challenging questions, guided me through the Dream Fund and set me up for success in receiving the grant. Even after several conversations, Tony was my number-one cheerleader. I wouldn’t be where I’m at right now without him.” Many advisors, like Tony Elliott, came to Candy’s aid during the initial stages of her business. They helped her find resources that were not temporary but for life.

Looking ahead, Candy’s ambitions for Flamingo Box Co. extend beyond traditional measures of success. With aspirations to feature on prominent platforms like the Jennifer Hudson Show, Oprah’s Favorite Things and Shark Tank, Candy’s vision encompasses business growth and philanthropic impact. Her plans for Flamingo Box Co. Gifts Back, a nonprofit initiative to give back to the community, exemplify her commitment to social responsibility and inclusivity. Flamingo Box Co.’s journey is not just a success story; it’s a testament to the boundless possibilities when entrepreneurs are equipped with the right resources and a supportive ecosystem.