For Aaisha Hijazi, helping others is second nature. The 18-year-old co-owner of The Frozen Jazzi’s, Newmarket’s new freeze-dried candy store, credits her experience in pageants with pushing her to be a giving person.
“I love being able to make a difference in people’s lives. I’ve been doing it since I was five years old,” says Aaisha.
When she was five or six years old and involved with Guide Dogs Canada, Aaisha would go door-to-door with her older brother in tow, asking for donations for the charity. She currently supports Sick Kids Hospital and their toy drive, and has supported the annual Terry Fox Run for years too.
Aaisha’s newest venture is running The Frozen Jazzi’s with her family, and they are continuing the trend of charitable giving. The business opened its doors on October 17th, but is holding their big grand opening event this Saturday, November 2nd. They will be collecting toys for The York Regional Police Holiday Heroes campaign, helping out families who may not be able to purchase toys this holiday season. Aaisha sees The Frozen Jazzi’s storefront as not just a business, but also a way to help more people than before.
Other plans for the big day include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, an appearance from Mayor John Taylor, a raffle, freeze-dried candy samples, and drinks and snacks for attendees. The store will be open from 12-7PM.
The Frozen Jazzi’s was started during the COVID-19 pandemic by Aaisha, her mother, and her sister. Aaisha’s father was very sick at the time, and the three of them started making jewelry to distract themselves and bring some joy into their lives. “It was a hard time for my family,” Aaisha says.
The three women started selling their jewelry at vendor markets as a fun activity, but then discovered freeze-dried candy and thought they’d give it a try. Making and selling the candy soon became their focus, and they were able to buy their own freeze drier with the money they’d made. They got a booth at the massive Dr. Flea’s Flea Market in Etobicoke, started selling their product in other markets and stores, and eventually found a location at 228 Main Street S. in Newmarket to open their own retail shop.
Thankfully, Aaisha’s father is doing much better now— and enthusiastically lends a hand with the business.
Aaisha says that customers have been enthusiastic about their store and the products they sell, which include their freeze-dried candy, as well as chocolate and candy from all over the world.
The freeze-drying process removes all the moisture from the candy, making it crunchy and extra flavourful. Aaisha’s personal favourite is freeze-dried Skittles, which is also their most popular product so far.
“Whenever we have a batch of extras, or ones that aren’t good enough to bag up, I always end up eating them,” she says.
Aaisha is as excited as her customers about their international candy selection. She says that there are some products they carry that she didn’t know about previously, like strawberry Aero bars and KitKat Breakfast Cereal.
“I never loved sweet things, but since getting into this and seeing the crazy flavours, it’s grown on me a lot,” she says.
In addition to enthusiastic customers, the new store has been welcomed by fellow business owners, who have dropped in to say congratulations and introduce themselves. Aaisha has been coming to Newmarket since she was little, so the warm welcome from the community is meaningful to her.
If you stop by the grand opening on Saturday, expect to chat with Aaisha directly about her products. She is happy to share her knowledge and enthusiasm for the business that her family has built from the ground up.
“I’m super excited to talk to people and I’m really passionate about this. I’m happy to be here.”
For more information, visit: www.thefrozenjazzis.ca