We had the good fortune of connecting with Nyckisha Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nyckisha, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I wanted to make cakes that were primarily affordable, and taste as good as it appeared.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
We are a military family. 18 years ago we were stationed in England where my oldest was born. She turned 1 and of course we went all out for her birthday. She was our first born together (mine period) and the first girl on both sides. My mom purchased her cake from the commissary (base grocery store) and when it came time to eat it, the frosting taste horrible and the cake was dry. NO ONE ATE IT. It cost $60!!! We were so annoyed but true Caribbean families we pushed on and still had a great time with the other desserts and food we had. The following year we decided I would make her cake. Starting with a box cake (used to make them often) I baked one up and used my artistic skills to the best of my ability to create her cake. Everyone loved it! Although it didn’t look the best.. everyone complimented me on my artwork and the taste! There was not one piece left!!! A few months later I had 7 airmen turning 21. Although both my ex-husband and I were both active duty purchasing 7 cakes was completely out of our budget. So he encouraged me to make it… so I did! My entire section loved the looked and of course the taste.. from there I became the cake lady. From home, to my unit to eventually the wing. Word spread about my cakes and I was hired to make base promotion cakes and retirement cakes. In North Dakota, I was hired to make 600 cupcakes for the Air Force Ball! Even after i took the uniform off, the base populace still used me as their vendor for cakes. People in the community knew my name and it was surreal. When I became a civilian employee, I remained the vendor. Our last base in Florida, I worked for Duke Field (Reserve station). I was there go to for all things cakes. For the past three years I have supplied them and several units with my cakes and desserts. Even though I now live in Houston, I still take the 8hr journey to cater their wing annual awards banquet. My military family has been such a huge supporter of my craft It truly has been an amazing experience!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I just moved back here after being gone for 26+ year due to my military career. My best friend and cousins are the ones showing me around. Lol!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate this to my two beautiful daughters , Nyleen and Nycalyn, their father Isharay, sister besties, Tasha, Sonoma and Lillian Florida besties Aesha and Sara, every single customer who has supported my craft from every location I have lived in the past 18 years. The long nights, tears, exhaustion, and consistent encouragement and support you all showed me is the reason why I am still in this business. Special shout out to my future husband Arthur.. you are the epitome of love and your quest to make sure I continue building my brand is most profound and highly appreciated!

Website: https://www.leelynswe3tz.com

Instagram: @1nonlyluv3 @leelynswe3tz

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/nyckisha-j-b4b1279b

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15qte48kQt/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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