Meet Ben Adair

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ben Adair. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ben, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I discovered my purpose when I found freeze-dried candy. My husband and I had always dreamed of opening some kind of sweet shop together — though freeze-dried candy wasn’t exactly what we first imagined, we saw it as a start and decided to give it a try.

What truly revealed my purpose wasn’t just the candy itself, but the community that grew around it — the wonderful group of people who now affectionately call me their “dealer” for sweet treats. Their excitement and support showed me that this is where I belong.

I’ve spent years in manufacturing, creating products for other people and companies — everything from plastic tubing to pharmaceuticals. Now, I get to use those same skills to craft something that’s completely my own. I take pride in knowing how to fine-tune my machines and processes to bring these whimsical, modern takes on classic candies to life.

I like to say I’m my own little version of Willy Wonka — experimenting, creating, and sharing joy through candy. Seeing the smiles and surprise when someone tastes their favorite treat in a new, freeze-dried form is the best feeling in the world. That’s when I know I’ve found my purpose. 🍭

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

At our little candy business, we specialize in freeze-dried sweets — taking classic favorites and transforming them into something totally new. What we do is part science, part art, and a whole lot of fun. Using a freeze dryer, we remove the moisture from candies, which changes both their texture and flavor. The result? Crunchy, colorful, and intensely flavorful versions of the candies people already love.

What makes this so exciting for me is the creativity and experimentation behind it. I get to play candy scientist — seeing what works, what surprises people, and what new combinations bring the biggest smiles. Every batch feels like a little adventure, and I love watching customers light up when they try their favorite candy in this new way for the first time.

Our business started as a dream between me and my husband to open a sweet shop of our own, and it’s become something so much bigger than we expected. We’ve built what I like to call our “candy family” — an amazing group of people who keep coming back to see what’s new and even lovingly call me their “dealer” for sweet treats.

Right now, we’re excited to be back at our kiosk at the Rock Hill Galleria Mall, where you can find us on select days each week. We’re always rotating in limited-edition flavors, and this season we’re featuring things like Candy Corn and the family’s new favorite — freeze-dried Pickles! 🥒🍬

Some of the seasonal markets you can find us at this year include the Jingle Bell Bazaar with the Arts Council of Chester, the Mini Renaissance Fair with Flora and Fauna Market, and one of the biggest events we do every year — ChristmasVille, right here in our hometown of Rock Hill, SC.

In the end, what I want folks to know about our brand is that it’s about more than just candy — it’s about joy, nostalgia, and community. We pour our hearts into every bag, and every smile reminds us why we do what we do. 🍭✨

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I think the three qualities that have helped me the most on this journey are attention to detail, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn and adapt.

My background in pharmaceutical manufacturing taught me how important precision and consistency are — skills that translate perfectly into candy making, especially when you’re working with machines, temperature settings, and timing that all have to be just right. That experience helped me develop an eye for detail and a steady hand for process control, which is essential in freeze drying.

The second skill is pure determination and work ethic. Running a small candy business means long nights — sometimes it’s me and my husband unrolling 400 fruit roll-ups for one batch, cutting 30 boxes of Milk Duds into quarters, or chopping through 10 pounds of Jolly Ranchers a day. It’s not for the faint of heart, but the reward of seeing people light up when they try our candy makes it all worth it.

Finally, I’d say adaptability has been huge. I’m constantly learning — whether it’s how to use new equipment, fine-tune a recipe, or understand what customers are excited about next.

For anyone starting their own journey, my advice would be: embrace the grind, pay attention to the details, and stay curious. The hard work you put in behind the scenes is what makes the magic happen out front. 🍬✨

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I start to feel overwhelmed, I remind myself that you can’t be successful if you don’t take care of yourself. It’s a lesson I’ve learned the hard way — and honestly, it’s something I’m still working on refining.

We’ve been very blessed with the success and growth of our candy business, but that kind of momentum comes with a price that a lot of people don’t see. I often spend 20–40 hours a week on candy work on top of a 40-hour desk job, and that can take a real toll if you don’t make space to recharge.

For me, finding balance is key. Sometimes that means taking a break to build a LEGO set, visiting one of my favorite local spots — the Purrfect Pair Cat Café in Rock Hill — or just spending time with my family, relaxing on the couch, and letting myself breathe.

My advice to anyone chasing their dream is this: don’t forget to pause. Take time to enjoy the little things, the quiet moments, and the people who make it all worthwhile. The work will always be there, but your peace and happiness are what keep the dream alive. 💛🍬

Contact Info:

• Website: https://discoverthemagicbox.com
• Instagram: @themagicboxfreezedriedtreats
• Facebook: @magicboxfreezedriedtreats
• Other: You can find our Kiosk at the Rock Hill Galleria Mall, located at 2301 Dave Lyle Blvd, in Rock Hill Sc, 29732, located in front of bath and body works. We are there for November and December this year, bringing sweets and treats that cant be beat

Image Credits

all pics taken by me