Last year, Austin Antoine took a chance on his own, and things have turned out pretty sweet.

Antoine, a New Iberia native, is the owner of Cole’s Sweets, a local business specializing in sweets, but his main product at the moment is candied pecans.

According to Antoine, the purpose of Cole’s Sweets is to provide a piece of joy and love in every bite.

“Cole’s Sweets offers a delightful experience with the perfect harmony of cream, sugar and vanilla,” Antoine said. “Created this blend effortlessly melts in your mouth. The fusion of the crunch from fresh pecans provides a rich, satisfactory texture and delightful treat.”

He is looking to venture off into other sweets in the future.

His shop, named after his middle name, started during Mardi Gras season. During that time, he helped to sell some of his uncle Sydney’s sweets.

At the start, Antoine said he was nervous to sell candy person-to-person, but after his sales rose, he became comfortable, and it eventually became second nature to him.

“At the end of the night, we sold out,” Antoine said. “I had great reviews… so I just continued it. I started spending more time with my uncle and he taught me the recipe.”

It’s one of Antoine’s favorite parts of his business, spending time with his uncle. Seeing Sydney make a business, but more importantly, a profit from selling pecans, Antoine said he knew that is something he wanted to do, too.

He was encouraged by his uncle to sell his own, and now Cole’s Sweets are sold at various locations, including a pair of gas stations in Franklin, QDog Café, One Stop on Hopkins St. and his newest location – the Village Market of Loreauville.

Prices are $5 a bag.

Antoine said he has big goals for the future of Cole’s Sweets.

“Our major goal is to be in major retailers, such as Walmart, Super One Foods and Nunu’s Fresh Market,” Antoine said. “Though expanding comes with expenses, the backing of the community gives me confidence.”

The pecans are made in Antoine’s kitchen at home, with what he calls a big gumbo pot. A batch typically takes a day to create, making his products as fresh as possible.

Antoine credits a lot of people and family for his support through his life and career. One person in particular that Antoine said he is grateful for is Quinten Adcock, owner of QDog Café, a person who was a coach and mentor to Antoine growing up.

“He kept me on the straight and narrow,” Antoine said.

Antoine played football at Campbellsville University in Kentucky before transferring to McNeese. Though he didn’t finish his business degree, he was still able to learn important lessons to help him with Cole’s Sweets.

Antoine said Cole’s Sweets carries a profound significance for himself, as it represents his vision for the American Dream. Beyond being a product, it also plays a role in supporting a brighter future for the youth in New Iberia.

“A portion of the proceeds contribute through the development of Iberia Parish Youth, a non-profit organization,” Antoine said. “We strive to make a positive impact on the parish.”

When someone bites into one of his sweet pecans, the crystallized sugars coating their fingertips, the rush of sugar that feels their veins and a smile of childhood on their face. Antoine said he is proud of his vision and what it is doing for others. And for him.

“When I am able to give back, that is what drives me,” Antoine said.