Rice Krispie Dreams: Sugar Apple Co’s Expansion from Northwest Arkansas to the Nation

About the Show:"I've never pivoted so much. Not even when I play post on pickup basketball do I pivot this much and this hard." – Blanca MaldonadoBlanca Maldonado and Danielle Reynolds are back. If you caught their first appearance on I Am Northwest Arkansas® back in 2022, you already know these two are something special. A lot has changed since then — and in the best possible way.In this episode, host Randy Wilburn sits down with the duo behind Sugar Apple Co. for a real, unfiltered conversation about what it actually takes to grow a small food business in Northwest Arkansas. We're talking Rice Krispie Treats — handmade, delicious, and now the centerpiece of a brand that's been tested, pivoted, and built with intention. Blanca and Danielle open up about customer feedback that changed their direction, creative marketing on a budget, the honest truth about shipping experiments, and what resilience really looks like when you're building something from scratch.From pop-up events to a direct-to-consumer website, Sugar Apple Co. is proof that staying nimble and knowing your customer can take you further than any business plan.If you love entrepreneurship, food, and stories of people betting on themselves — this one's for you. Pull up your favorite podcast app and give this episode a listen today.Key Takeaways:Pivot Often and Stay Open: Blanca Maldonado and Danielle Reynolds show how adapting to customer needs and market feedback led to Rice Krispie treats becoming their signature and most successful product.Community Matters: Support from local mentors, colleagues, and places like Hill City Popcorn, Pearl’s Books, local commercial kitchens, and the Fayetteville Public Library made a big difference in their journey.Know Your Strengths: The Sugar Apple Co partnership works because each person stays in their own lane—Danielle focuses on food science and numbers, and Blanca takes on marketing and outreach.Test and Learn: Market research doesn’t have to cost thousands. The team used social media and QR codes to get quick, valuable data straight from real customers.Dream Big, Start Small: Sugar Apple Co is aiming for national distribution, but they’re building a solid foundation with direct-to-consumer sales, niche markets like runners and bikers, and steady local support first.Insider Tips: Hear shipping hacks, why quality and shelf-stable products are important for scaling, and how even a failed business attempt can spark a future win.All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Sugar Apple Treats – Shop online (Use code IAMNWA for a special discount!)Sugar Apple Treats on InstagramSugar Apple Treats on LinkedInPearl’s Books – Fayetteville, AR bookstoreFossil Cove Brewing Co – Fayetteville, ARTwo Friends Bookstore – Bentonville, ARHill City Popcorn – Fayetteville, ARThe Momentary – Bentonville, ARSpring Kitchen – Commercial kitchen in Springdale, ARFayetteville Public Library – Studio and kitchen resourcesFindItNWA.com NWA’s Hyperlocal Business DirectoryThis episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at [email protected] With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks.Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest ArkansasMentioned in this episode:Winetopia 2026Winetopia 2026 Date: Friday, October 16th Time: 7-10pm Place: Stonebreaker Hotel on Markham hill Winetopia is Restore Humanity’s biggest annual fundraiser and brings together the very best of Northwest Arkansas (restaurants, artisans, small businesses, and (community members) to support our work. While the event raises essential funds for children in Kenya, its heartbeat is entirely local. There are over 100 local businesses who contribute auction items, regional chefs and beverage makers who showcase their craft, and the hundreds of residents gathering to celebrate community generosity. Winetopia strengthens local partnerships, elevates homegrown talent, and reinforces Northwest Arkansas's identity as a place where global compassion is fueled by local collaboration. Winetopia is a beautiful demonstration of how a united local community can create life-changing impact for children and families worldwide. Winetopia 2026FindItNWA.comLooking to discover the best local businesses in Northwest Arkansas? 🌟 From cozy cafes to essential services, FindItNWA.com has got you covered. Connect with your local community with just one click and explore something great. Visit finditnwa.com today! #LocalBusiness #CommunitySupport"FindItNWA.com