Local candy store has global goodies just around the corner

LOS FRESNOS, Texas (ValleyCentral) — This candy store's treat collection will take your taste buds on a global adventure with no plane ticket required.

What began as a small, homegrown venture for owner Alisa Cantu has now blossomed into a Rio Grande Valley favorite.

Cantu started her business, Exotic Candiez in August 2020, in the heat of the COVID-19 pandemic. She studied business in college and her original dream was to be an accountant or work in finance.

However, during the pandemic, many were opening businesses to stay afloat which is where she got her inspiration to open a shop.

In a time of uncertainty and hardship, Cantu's business managed to not only survive but thrive.

The world was put on pause as in-person events were canceled and social distancing measures in full force. Cantu needed a way to reach her audience and he used platforms such as TikTok, Facebook and Instagram to make videos of her products and packing orders.

She opened a website and began running her business from a shed behind her parent's house and was able to brighten a customer's day with her candy during the dark days of a global crisis.

The shop offers a variety of exotic desserts, snacks, drinks and candy from around the world from places like Mexico, China, Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada and India.

"We try and import snacks from each country so we have a little bit of each country," she said.

Cantu makes sure to order snacks that have gone viral on social media such as Dubai Chocolate, Carne Seca and many more.

"We try to do a lot of viral snacks, anything that is trending on social media we try to bring into our store," Cantu said.

Exotic Candiez is a veteran-owned, family-run business. Cantu's husband, mom, brother and grandma assist her with the business.

The thing that sets this candy store apart from the rest is it accepts EBT.

"A lot of these families that can't afford to go to these places they're able to pay with EBT and try some viral snacks," Cantu said. "We're able to get EBT so that the kids and adults can come and try a variety of snacks no matter the income."

Cantu says the shop has numerous local events it will be attending.

Exotic Candiez can be found at 33478 FM803 B7 in Los Fresnos and is available in 25 stores across the Valley. The store ships worldwide and orders can be placed through its website.