From Six Flags to Sweet Solopreneur

More than six years ago, Crystal Tilley, the owner/operator of Arlene & Co., was a seasonal employee at Six Flags Over Georgia (SFOG). Instead of operating rides or entertaining guests, Crystal made tasty treats for the thousands of visitors who filed in and out of the park. One summer, Crystal’s manager discovered her penchant for creating decadent treats that rivaled those sold by the establishment. 

Her manager believed that Crystal’s creations warranted a broader debut and encouraged her to bring them to an employee event so that others could try them as well. After sharing the treats with coworkers and friends, Crystal and her manager decided to add them to the menu for customers on a trial basis to see which products could work long term. As her manager expected, Crystal’s brand of candied apples, strawberries, and pretzels drove sales for the store, becoming a favorite for many customers.

“It was amazing. Customers loved the treats, which allowed me to create an entire training program to teach other employees how to make them as well,” Crystal said.

Despite her success, Crystal left SFOG to pursue another passion, cosmetology.  Her foray into this vocation did not last long as Crystal quickly found a market for her treats outside of the amusement park. After an inspired post on social media garnered several orders for Valentine’s Day, Crystal revisited the prospect of churning out candied pretzels, strawberries, and custom candy full time. Eventually, she founded Arlene & Co., a custom candy company catering to Atlanta’s tastemakers and event planners.

“I got the name from a brand I love which uses the same naming convention [Name & Co], but rather than using my first name, I choose Arlene, my middle name instead,” Crystal said.

Since transitioning to running Arlene & Co. full time, Crystal has enjoyed tremendous success and exponential growth. Not only do customers refer friends and family to her consistently, but she also attracts clients and fans from social media. 

“Presentation is everything. People have to be excited about the treats when they see them get the true experience,” she begins, “That is why you can’t just go to the Dollar Tree and slap your stuff on a tray. You have to think about how things will come together.”