Aug. 20, 2025

With an assortment of both “naughty and nice” snacking options, Leah’s EatZ was created to satisfy cravings for many tastes and diets.

A side hustle since 2015, the business officially opened full time in April 2024.

Owner Leah Holtz, however, had been making caramel corn for holidays and family get-togethers long before the existence of Leah’s EatZ.

“I had been wanting to do it for forever, but I wasn’t sure if it could really be a business,” Holtz said.

When demand from friends and family got high enough, she decided to pursue Leah’s EatZ as a full-time business venture. In the earliest stages, Holtz took steps to get involved in the small-business community, selling at markets where she was able to connect with other local business owners.

“I think they really gave me the confidence,” Holtz said. “Like, ‘You’ve got something here. This is something you could do.’”

Leah’s EatZ sells more than a dozen flavors of caramel corn — from pecan cinnamon roll to white chocolate pistachio cherry.

An array of paleo granolas, which Holtz said are becoming her bestsellers, represent the “nice” portion of snack options. She also is committed to maintaining a rotation of gluten-free and vegan options.

“Snacking with intentions,” Holtz said. “Leah’s EatZ is all about creating something for all lifestyles.”

As for the creative side of the business, Holtz bounces idea off of her friends and customers. This process led her to create her spicy caramel corn as well as her Blueberry Bombshell caramel corn — the equivalent of a blueberry muffin.

“There are a lot of creative people in small-business communities,” Holtz said.

Holtz will sell her creations this week at the 605 Made Night Market, held from 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday in the Raven parking lot on the southeast corner of Sixth Street and Phillips Avenue.

605 Made is co-organized by Sew Doggy Boutique, Knotty Gnome Variety & Salvage and SiouxFalls.Business. It’s sponsored by The First National Bank in Sioux Falls, Active Generations and Dakota Business Finance.

“I’m just going where the business takes me, which is really fun,” Holtz said. “Sometimes you go somewhere and it’s maybe not the most profitable market, but then you meet somebody and make a connection.”

She said she hopes her range of snacks can energize and fuel customers throughout the week, while also supplying them a treat once in awhile.

“You can enjoy indulgence and also be conscious,” Holtz said. “I hope it brings you a smile and a memory and maybe a delicious moment of escape.”

Follow the 605 Made Night Market on Facebook here.

For a full guide to what you’ll find at the 605 Made Night Market, visit below.

Here’s your guide to shopping, food, entertainment at Saturday’s 605 Made Night Market