Meet the Puffs

Candy makers Brayden LeBlanc-Jackson and Sean Smith share with Sweet Paul the story behind their spun-sugar goodwill mission. Photography by Paul Lowe

Sweet Paul: Tell me the story of how The Puffs came to be.

The Puffs: It came about very organically over coffee one day near our apartment building. [We live in the same historic building in DTLA (Downtown Los Angeles).] We’ve been friends for several years now and wanted to do something together. Sean has an incredible background working in the candy and ice cream industries, and Brayden was growing beyond tired of his corporate job in luxury retail. Each of us were searching for a way to have fun at work, bring some joy to people in a very direct way, and celebrate our amazing queer community at the same time. The Puffs was born from this desire to bring creativity, color, and joy to our community.

Sweet Paul: How do you decide the shapes and flavors?

The Puffs: We let the Puff do the talking and have fun with the cotton candy to see what shapes we can develop organically. Sean has studied this art form for years, and through our collaboration, we come up with our shapes and name for each Puff. We even get ideas from our customers at each event, who come up with some Puffing brilliant ideas.

Sweet Paul: What would be the dream Puff shape to make?

The Puffs: There are so many options, but I think we would both love to create a gigantic Marie Antoinette-inspired Rainbow Puff wig for RuPaul. Hey Ru, call us. Let’s collab.

Sweet Paul: What’s next for The Puffs?

The Puffs: Right now, we’re taking it one Puff at a time, making each customer we get a little happier, the world a little brighter, and just having a Pufftastic good time. We’re currently working at various markets around Los Angeles and Palm Springs.

If anyone wants to bring a little Puffs magic into their lives, please check out the schedule of events on our website, The-Puffs.com, and check out our Instagram, @ThePuffsCandy. We promise you’ll have a good time. We have glitter.