A list of real things people have said to me throughout my career 👇🏻📋 👉🏻 “You’ll regret leaving the finance world.” 👉🏻 “You’ll have no financial stability as an entrepreneur.” 👉🏻 “A cupcake-only bakery is a stupid idea.” 👉🏻 “Nobody will pay $3 for a cupcake.” 👉🏻 “Working with your husband is a recipe for disaster.” 👉🏻 “No one writes a cookbook and then a business book.” 👉🏻 “It’s impossible to reinvent yourself.” 👉🏻 “The pizza market is too saturated” …and the list goes on. First you’re cringe, then you’re crazy, then you’re lucky. Then, you’re living your dream. 💫🌟🙌🏻 Don’t give up, and keep pursuing your passion. I did it, and you can too! #businessjourney #entrepreneurstory #successstories #entrepreneursuccessstories #candacenelson #sprinklescupcakes #sprinkles #pizzana #entrepreneur
Finally opening up… about selling my company, Sprinkles Cupcakes. 👀🧁 I sold Sprinkles back in 2012. But based on my DMs, not many people know this. 😂 It makes sense, because I’ve NEVER talked openly about it on social media before! …but as part of my personal branding challenge “Find Your Sweet Spot Online,” I’m challenging creators to get vulnerable and share something they wouldn’t *normally* post about online. 😳 So, here’s the full story! 🎥❤️ Is there a story you’ve been holding back from sharing on social media? Is there a challenge or struggle you’ve faced that someone else could benefit from hearing? 🤔 Join week 3 of the #SweetSpotChallenge and share a “vulnerable” piece of content this week! Check out the “challenge” highlight on my profile for more details. 🌟 #candacenelson #sprinklescupcakes #sprinkles #entrepreneurstory #sharktank #founderjourney #entrepreneurjourney
Different kind of dough, same passion. 🧁🍕 Even though I *thought* I’d bowed out from building businesses after selling Sprinkles Cupcakes… You can’t help it when inspiration strikes! ⚡️ I was at an event when I first tasted @danieleuditi’s pizza… and WOW, was it good! 🤤 With my background in building brands people love and passion for putting a modern “twist” on classics, plus Daniele’s family signature slow dough recipe and talent for mastering flavors, I KNEW we could build something great. Enter: @pizzana. 🍕
A truly special night at the Children’s Cancer Fund 35th Anniversary Gala in Dallas celebrating the incredible strength of pediatric cancer patients. I had the honor of walking the runway with the amazing Erin Savage, a courageous 13-year-old who is bravely battling DIPG. Her strength, faith, and positivity lit up the room. The Gala, led by Co-Chairs Lori Jones and Meredith Land, with Honorary Co-Chairs @TroyAikman and _4dak, raised over $3 million to support pediatric cancer research and treatment at Children’s Health and UT Southwestern. Thank you to @kaseylemkin, @kimberlywhitman, and @ssmabrey for including me in such an inspiring night —and to the Children’s Cancer Fund for everything they do for these very special kids. @thelandlinenews @texasccf #ChildrensCancerFund #CCF35
A truly special night at the Children’s Cancer Fund 35th Anniversary Gala in Dallas celebrating the incredible strength of pediatric cancer patients. I had the honor of walking the runway with the amazing Erin Savage, a courageous 13-year-old who is bravely battling DIPG. Her strength, faith, and positivity lit up the room. The Gala, led by Co-Chairs Lori Jones and Meredith Land, with Honorary Co-Chairs @TroyAikman and _4dak, raised over $3 million to support pediatric cancer research and treatment at Children’s Health and UT Southwestern. Thank you to @kaseylemkin, @kimberlywhitman, and @ssmabrey for including me in such an inspiring night —and to the Children’s Cancer Fund for everything they do for these very special kids. @thelandlinenews @texasccf #ChildrensCancerFund #CCF35
A truly special night at the Children’s Cancer Fund 35th Anniversary Gala in Dallas celebrating the incredible strength of pediatric cancer patients. I had the honor of walking the runway with the amazing Erin Savage, a courageous 13-year-old who is bravely battling DIPG. Her strength, faith, and positivity lit up the room. The Gala, led by Co-Chairs Lori Jones and Meredith Land, with Honorary Co-Chairs @TroyAikman and _4dak, raised over $3 million to support pediatric cancer research and treatment at Children’s Health and UT Southwestern. Thank you to @kaseylemkin, @kimberlywhitman, and @ssmabrey for including me in such an inspiring night —and to the Children’s Cancer Fund for everything they do for these very special kids. @thelandlinenews @texasccf #ChildrensCancerFund #CCF35
A truly special night at the Children’s Cancer Fund 35th Anniversary Gala in Dallas celebrating the incredible strength of pediatric cancer patients. I had the honor of walking the runway with the amazing Erin Savage, a courageous 13-year-old who is bravely battling DIPG. Her strength, faith, and positivity lit up the room. The Gala, led by Co-Chairs Lori Jones and Meredith Land, with Honorary Co-Chairs @TroyAikman and _4dak, raised over $3 million to support pediatric cancer research and treatment at Children’s Health and UT Southwestern. Thank you to @kaseylemkin, @kimberlywhitman, and @ssmabrey for including me in such an inspiring night —and to the Children’s Cancer Fund for everything they do for these very special kids. @thelandlinenews @texasccf #ChildrensCancerFund #CCF35
A truly special night at the Children’s Cancer Fund 35th Anniversary Gala in Dallas celebrating the incredible strength of pediatric cancer patients. I had the honor of walking the runway with the amazing Erin Savage, a courageous 13-year-old who is bravely battling DIPG. Her strength, faith, and positivity lit up the room. The Gala, led by Co-Chairs Lori Jones and Meredith Land, with Honorary Co-Chairs @TroyAikman and _4dak, raised over $3 million to support pediatric cancer research and treatment at Children’s Health and UT Southwestern. Thank you to @kaseylemkin, @kimberlywhitman, and @ssmabrey for including me in such an inspiring night —and to the Children’s Cancer Fund for everything they do for these very special kids. @thelandlinenews @texasccf #ChildrensCancerFund #CCF35
A truly special night at the Children’s Cancer Fund 35th Anniversary Gala in Dallas celebrating the incredible strength of pediatric cancer patients. I had the honor of walking the runway with the amazing Erin Savage, a courageous 13-year-old who is bravely battling DIPG. Her strength, faith, and positivity lit up the room. The Gala, led by Co-Chairs Lori Jones and Meredith Land, with Honorary Co-Chairs @TroyAikman and _4dak, raised over $3 million to support pediatric cancer research and treatment at Children’s Health and UT Southwestern. Thank you to @kaseylemkin, @kimberlywhitman, and @ssmabrey for including me in such an inspiring night —and to the Children’s Cancer Fund for everything they do for these very special kids. @thelandlinenews @texasccf #ChildrensCancerFund #CCF35
A truly special night at the Children’s Cancer Fund 35th Anniversary Gala in Dallas celebrating the incredible strength of pediatric cancer patients. I had the honor of walking the runway with the amazing Erin Savage, a courageous 13-year-old who is bravely battling DIPG. Her strength, faith, and positivity lit up the room. The Gala, led by Co-Chairs Lori Jones and Meredith Land, with Honorary Co-Chairs @TroyAikman and _4dak, raised over $3 million to support pediatric cancer research and treatment at Children’s Health and UT Southwestern. Thank you to @kaseylemkin, @kimberlywhitman, and @ssmabrey for including me in such an inspiring night —and to the Children’s Cancer Fund for everything they do for these very special kids. @thelandlinenews @texasccf #ChildrensCancerFund #CCF35
A truly special night at the Children’s Cancer Fund 35th Anniversary Gala in Dallas celebrating the incredible strength of pediatric cancer patients. I had the honor of walking the runway with the amazing Erin Savage, a courageous 13-year-old who is bravely battling DIPG. Her strength, faith, and positivity lit up the room. The Gala, led by Co-Chairs Lori Jones and Meredith Land, with Honorary Co-Chairs @TroyAikman and _4dak, raised over $3 million to support pediatric cancer research and treatment at Children’s Health and UT Southwestern. Thank you to @kaseylemkin, @kimberlywhitman, and @ssmabrey for including me in such an inspiring night —and to the Children’s Cancer Fund for everything they do for these very special kids. @thelandlinenews @texasccf #ChildrensCancerFund #CCF35
A truly special night at the Children’s Cancer Fund 35th Anniversary Gala in Dallas celebrating the incredible strength of pediatric cancer patients. I had the honor of walking the runway with the amazing Erin Savage, a courageous 13-year-old who is bravely battling DIPG. Her strength, faith, and positivity lit up the room. The Gala, led by Co-Chairs Lori Jones and Meredith Land, with Honorary Co-Chairs @TroyAikman and _4dak, raised over $3 million to support pediatric cancer research and treatment at Children’s Health and UT Southwestern. Thank you to @kaseylemkin, @kimberlywhitman, and @ssmabrey for including me in such an inspiring night —and to the Children’s Cancer Fund for everything they do for these very special kids. @thelandlinenews @texasccf #ChildrensCancerFund #CCF35
I almost blew my Shark Tank opportunity… because I didn’t believe I deserved it. 😳 In the moment, I was thinking “I’m just the cupcake lady! What am I doing here???” Meanwhile, I was sitting across from producers, being asked why I belonged on the show. And the truth is… I almost couldn’t answer. 🫣 Imposter syndrome shows up LOUDLY in the moments that matter most. But so does courage. 💪🏻 Once I heard them talk about the heart of Shark Tank – celebrating entrepreneurs who bet big on themselves and brought their dreams to life – I realized I was there for a reason. If you’ve ever felt like you weren’t ready or worthy of the room you’re in, let this be your reminder: You DO deserve to be there. You just have to claim it! 🦈❤️ #candacenelson #impostersyndrome #sharktank #sharktankabc #abcsharktank #sprinkles #womenentrepreneurship #sprinklescupcakes
When I started baking cupcakes in my kitchen, I never imagined I’d create a nationwide sensation… 🧁 But that’s *exactly* what happened! 😅 The journey from side hustle to success wasn’t all sugar and sprinkles… It required more than just a great product—it demanded CREATIVITY, COMMITMENT, and a willingness to LEARN from every setback. 🫠 These are the FIVE steps I took in my journey that can help turn your side gig into a thriving business 🌱: 1️⃣ Take stock and leverage your assets – don’t underestimate what you bring to the table. For me, it was a mix of passion, baking, and a supportive network. 🧁 2️⃣ Nail down your competitive advantage – in a crowded market, standing out is crucial. We elevated cupcakes to a luxury experience. What makes you unique? 🤔 3️⃣ Lean into low-cost customer acquisition – we relied on product seeding to create buzz. Happy customers became our best marketers! How can you creatively spread the word? 🤷🏼♀️ 4️⃣ Stay close to your customers – in the early days, I was baker, cashier, and customer service rep rolled into one. This hands-on approach provided invaluable insights. Are you listening to your customers? 👀 5️⃣ Perfect your pitch and always be selling – every interaction is an opportunity to share your vision. My pitch was short (and sweet!) about reinventing a classic treat with a modern twist. What’s your 30-second story? 🗣️ Remember, every cupcake empire starts with a single batch. Your side hustle might just be waiting to become your empire… 👑 Want more inspiration on building your business and brand? Comment “NEWSLETTER” and I’ll send you the link to sign up! 💌 #candacenelson #sprinklescupcakes #femalefounder #sidehustlesuccess
When I started baking cupcakes in my kitchen, I never imagined I’d create a nationwide sensation… 🧁 But that’s *exactly* what happened! 😅 The journey from side hustle to success wasn’t all sugar and sprinkles… It required more than just a great product—it demanded CREATIVITY, COMMITMENT, and a willingness to LEARN from every setback. 🫠 These are the FIVE steps I took in my journey that can help turn your side gig into a thriving business 🌱: 1️⃣ Take stock and leverage your assets – don’t underestimate what you bring to the table. For me, it was a mix of passion, baking, and a supportive network. 🧁 2️⃣ Nail down your competitive advantage – in a crowded market, standing out is crucial. We elevated cupcakes to a luxury experience. What makes you unique? 🤔 3️⃣ Lean into low-cost customer acquisition – we relied on product seeding to create buzz. Happy customers became our best marketers! How can you creatively spread the word? 🤷🏼♀️ 4️⃣ Stay close to your customers – in the early days, I was baker, cashier, and customer service rep rolled into one. This hands-on approach provided invaluable insights. Are you listening to your customers? 👀 5️⃣ Perfect your pitch and always be selling – every interaction is an opportunity to share your vision. My pitch was short (and sweet!) about reinventing a classic treat with a modern twist. What’s your 30-second story? 🗣️ Remember, every cupcake empire starts with a single batch. Your side hustle might just be waiting to become your empire… 👑 Want more inspiration on building your business and brand? Comment “NEWSLETTER” and I’ll send you the link to sign up! 💌 #candacenelson #sprinklescupcakes #femalefounder #sidehustlesuccess
This is my one regret… For too long, I focused solely on building my businesses. I thought my work should speak for itself and that was enough. But here’s what I learned… 👇🏻 📌 Opportunities don’t just come from what you do- they come from WHO YOU ARE. When I finally started sharing my story online, everything changed. I built stronger connections, attracted dream opportunities, and grew a community that supports me beyond just one business or title. 🩷 If you feel the pull to put yourself out there more, take this as your sign: it’s time. ⏰ ✅ If you’re the face behind a business, people want to connect with you. ✅ If you dream of building something bigger, your personal brand is the foundation. ✅ If you want more opportunities, social media is your 24/7 digital resume. Who else loves the power of a personal brand? Comment “NEWSLETTER” to join my Sweet Success newsletter! 💌❤️ #candacenelson #pizzana #sprinkles #sharktank #personalbrandexpert
This is my one regret… For too long, I focused solely on building my businesses. I thought my work should speak for itself and that was enough. But here’s what I learned… 👇🏻 📌 Opportunities don’t just come from what you do- they come from WHO YOU ARE. When I finally started sharing my story online, everything changed. I built stronger connections, attracted dream opportunities, and grew a community that supports me beyond just one business or title. 🩷 If you feel the pull to put yourself out there more, take this as your sign: it’s time. ⏰ ✅ If you’re the face behind a business, people want to connect with you. ✅ If you dream of building something bigger, your personal brand is the foundation. ✅ If you want more opportunities, social media is your 24/7 digital resume. Who else loves the power of a personal brand? Comment “NEWSLETTER” to join my Sweet Success newsletter! 💌❤️ #candacenelson #pizzana #sprinkles #sharktank #personalbrandexpert
This is my one regret… For too long, I focused solely on building my businesses. I thought my work should speak for itself and that was enough. But here’s what I learned… 👇🏻 📌 Opportunities don’t just come from what you do- they come from WHO YOU ARE. When I finally started sharing my story online, everything changed. I built stronger connections, attracted dream opportunities, and grew a community that supports me beyond just one business or title. 🩷 If you feel the pull to put yourself out there more, take this as your sign: it’s time. ⏰ ✅ If you’re the face behind a business, people want to connect with you. ✅ If you dream of building something bigger, your personal brand is the foundation. ✅ If you want more opportunities, social media is your 24/7 digital resume. Who else loves the power of a personal brand? Comment “NEWSLETTER” to join my Sweet Success newsletter! 💌❤️ #candacenelson #pizzana #sprinkles #sharktank #personalbrandexpert
This is my one regret… For too long, I focused solely on building my businesses. I thought my work should speak for itself and that was enough. But here’s what I learned… 👇🏻 📌 Opportunities don’t just come from what you do- they come from WHO YOU ARE. When I finally started sharing my story online, everything changed. I built stronger connections, attracted dream opportunities, and grew a community that supports me beyond just one business or title. 🩷 If you feel the pull to put yourself out there more, take this as your sign: it’s time. ⏰ ✅ If you’re the face behind a business, people want to connect with you. ✅ If you dream of building something bigger, your personal brand is the foundation. ✅ If you want more opportunities, social media is your 24/7 digital resume. Who else loves the power of a personal brand? Comment “NEWSLETTER” to join my Sweet Success newsletter! 💌❤️ #candacenelson #pizzana #sprinkles #sharktank #personalbrandexpert
This is my one regret… For too long, I focused solely on building my businesses. I thought my work should speak for itself and that was enough. But here’s what I learned… 👇🏻 📌 Opportunities don’t just come from what you do- they come from WHO YOU ARE. When I finally started sharing my story online, everything changed. I built stronger connections, attracted dream opportunities, and grew a community that supports me beyond just one business or title. 🩷 If you feel the pull to put yourself out there more, take this as your sign: it’s time. ⏰ ✅ If you’re the face behind a business, people want to connect with you. ✅ If you dream of building something bigger, your personal brand is the foundation. ✅ If you want more opportunities, social media is your 24/7 digital resume. Who else loves the power of a personal brand? Comment “NEWSLETTER” to join my Sweet Success newsletter! 💌❤️ #candacenelson #pizzana #sprinkles #sharktank #personalbrandexpert
This is my one regret… For too long, I focused solely on building my businesses. I thought my work should speak for itself and that was enough. But here’s what I learned… 👇🏻 📌 Opportunities don’t just come from what you do- they come from WHO YOU ARE. When I finally started sharing my story online, everything changed. I built stronger connections, attracted dream opportunities, and grew a community that supports me beyond just one business or title. 🩷 If you feel the pull to put yourself out there more, take this as your sign: it’s time. ⏰ ✅ If you’re the face behind a business, people want to connect with you. ✅ If you dream of building something bigger, your personal brand is the foundation. ✅ If you want more opportunities, social media is your 24/7 digital resume. Who else loves the power of a personal brand? Comment “NEWSLETTER” to join my Sweet Success newsletter! 💌❤️ #candacenelson #pizzana #sprinkles #sharktank #personalbrandexpert
This is my one regret… For too long, I focused solely on building my businesses. I thought my work should speak for itself and that was enough. But here’s what I learned… 👇🏻 📌 Opportunities don’t just come from what you do- they come from WHO YOU ARE. When I finally started sharing my story online, everything changed. I built stronger connections, attracted dream opportunities, and grew a community that supports me beyond just one business or title. 🩷 If you feel the pull to put yourself out there more, take this as your sign: it’s time. ⏰ ✅ If you’re the face behind a business, people want to connect with you. ✅ If you dream of building something bigger, your personal brand is the foundation. ✅ If you want more opportunities, social media is your 24/7 digital resume. Who else loves the power of a personal brand? Comment “NEWSLETTER” to join my Sweet Success newsletter! 💌❤️ #candacenelson #pizzana #sprinkles #sharktank #personalbrandexpert
This is my one regret… For too long, I focused solely on building my businesses. I thought my work should speak for itself and that was enough. But here’s what I learned… 👇🏻 📌 Opportunities don’t just come from what you do- they come from WHO YOU ARE. When I finally started sharing my story online, everything changed. I built stronger connections, attracted dream opportunities, and grew a community that supports me beyond just one business or title. 🩷 If you feel the pull to put yourself out there more, take this as your sign: it’s time. ⏰ ✅ If you’re the face behind a business, people want to connect with you. ✅ If you dream of building something bigger, your personal brand is the foundation. ✅ If you want more opportunities, social media is your 24/7 digital resume. Who else loves the power of a personal brand? Comment “NEWSLETTER” to join my Sweet Success newsletter! 💌❤️ #candacenelson #pizzana #sprinkles #sharktank #personalbrandexpert
This is my one regret… For too long, I focused solely on building my businesses. I thought my work should speak for itself and that was enough. But here’s what I learned… 👇🏻 📌 Opportunities don’t just come from what you do- they come from WHO YOU ARE. When I finally started sharing my story online, everything changed. I built stronger connections, attracted dream opportunities, and grew a community that supports me beyond just one business or title. 🩷 If you feel the pull to put yourself out there more, take this as your sign: it’s time. ⏰ ✅ If you’re the face behind a business, people want to connect with you. ✅ If you dream of building something bigger, your personal brand is the foundation. ✅ If you want more opportunities, social media is your 24/7 digital resume. Who else loves the power of a personal brand? Comment “NEWSLETTER” to join my Sweet Success newsletter! 💌❤️ #candacenelson #pizzana #sprinkles #sharktank #personalbrandexpert
