Cheyenne Brown is turning a simple idea into a growing business, years after first testing it out in her own backyard. What started as a small home pop-up in 2016 has now expanded into a packaged product that customers can order beyond her local community.
Today, her brand, Fun-Diggity Funnel-Cakes, reflects both her personal story and her long-term commitment to bringing something special back to Compton. While the business didn’t happen overnight, it continues to gain attention as more people discover her funnel cake mix.
Building a Funnel Cake Business From a 2016 Home Pop-Up
Brown first introduced her funnel cakes through a small pop-up event held at her mother’s home in 2016. At the time, she had just spent months perfecting her recipe and was looking for a way to both earn money and serve her community.
The first event was modest, starting with friends and family. Still, it quickly showed potential. “The event started with just friends and family because I was still nervous,” Brown said. “I had a lot of self-doubt.” However, strong support from people around her helped push the idea forward.
As word spread, the pop-up began to grow. Social media also played a key role, helping her reach more people and build a loyal customer base. Over time, what began as a small backyard setup turned into a recognized local brand.
From Miss Compton to Community-Focused Entrepreneur
Before launching her business, Brown had already built a connection with her community. She won the Miss Compton title in 2014, using that platform to challenge negative stereotypes about the city.
She often speaks about how people misunderstand Compton. “A lot of talent comes out of Compton,” she said. “We are a driven community that may be small, but it’s mighty.” That mindset influenced how she approached her business.
Rather than leaving her hometown behind, Brown chose to invest in it. Her funnel cake brand became a way to give back while also creating something meaningful for herself. As a result, her work blends entrepreneurship with community pride.
Turning Funnel Cakes Into a Packaged Product in 2021
After several years of running her pop-up, Brown took a major step forward by creating a packaged funnel cake mix in 2021. This move allowed her business to reach customers beyond in-person events.
The product launch was supported by a grant from Grid110, which helped her secure a manufacturer and finalize the formula. “I used that grant money to find a manufacturer and create a formula,” she explained. “I’m a self-entrepreneur, so all of this was new to me.”
This transition marked a shift from local sales to a broader audience. Instead of only serving customers at pop-ups, she could now offer her product to people who wanted to recreate the experience at home.
Expanding Her Brand While Staying True to Her Roots
Although the business has grown, Brown continues to build it step by step. She is currently working on a vegan version of her funnel cake mix, showing her focus on expanding her product line.
She also gained new experience through the reality show 60 Day Hustle, where she competed alongside other entrepreneurs. The show gave her access to mentors and helped her refine how she presents her business.
“I learned how to articulate my message,” she said. “How to make things clear and concise, and how to focus.” Even without winning the top prize, she received a $12,500 grant from ZenBusiness, which added momentum to her journey.
A Business Inspired by Childhood Memories and Long-Term Vision
Brown’s love for funnel cakes started long before her business. She often recalls childhood moments tied to the dessert, including a birthday party at Knott’s Berry Farm that left a lasting impression.
Even in college, she would drive long distances just to get one. That experience eventually pushed her to bring the treat closer to home. “You can smell the vanilla batter in the air,” she said, describing what first drew her in.
Looking ahead, Brown wants her brand to become widely recognized. She has compared her vision to household baking staples, aiming for her mix to become a go-to option for funnel cakes. While she is still building toward that goal, her journey shows steady progress backed by years of work.
