Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikita ‘Keet” Ford.
Hi Nikita ‘Keet”, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started baking when I was six years old. My mother bought me an easy bake oven because I loved baking whoopie pies and cookies. I loved baking, but never really had the tools to do so, so I would bake sporadically; mostly for my children’s birthdays. My friends and family have always loved my baked goods when I would bake, but using a hand mixer was extremely tiring. Fast forward to Christmas, 2019, my husband bought me my first stand mixer. I opened it, cleaned it, and started baking right then and there. I was then given the idea by my husband and mother to start baking professionally. So I took the idea and ran with it. I then formed my LLC in August 2020 and opened my first and only storefront on May 2, 2021. I have been making memories ever since then.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road, but it also hasn’t been the worst experience I have ever experienced. My original storefront plans fell through. I had most of my equipment, and I was ready to go. I got the call that I was not going to be able to open my shop at its original location, and it was crushing. I just knew the journey was over, and that it was not the time to open my own shop. My husband and mother continued to speak life into my situation and say that what will be for me will be for me. I found a location that was in a better area in terms of traffic, and I am so grateful to have continued with my dream. I signed the lease, moved in, and was fully inspected all within 15 days. I am blessed beyond measure.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I create memories that will last a lifetime in the form of sweet treats, I have baked for baby showers, weddings, birthdays, even baptisms. In my shop, I am known for my strawberry crunch cupcakes and they usually sell out within the first day. I specialize in cookies, cupcakes, cakes, and brownies. A lot of people ask me about chocolate-covered strawberries, and cake pops, but I have not mastered that craft yet; maybe one day. I am known for strawberry crunch cakes/cupcakes, and my excellent customer service. I am proud of my shop and the fact I am not a traditional bakery. What that means is, you get fresh sweet treats when you come into my shop. I do not have a bunch of cakes frozen and on display, but I actually bake them made to order. I love being a small business because I feel like I can provide the intimacy my customers need. This is what I also feel sets me apart from others as well.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I feel like luck never played a part in my life and my business. I am a firm believer that anything you put hard work and dedication into will flourish. I feel that when things don’t happen the way you envision doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing, it just means that you need to re-evaluate your approach and change the trajectory so that you can achieve what you hope to achieve. If it still doesn’t happen, then I believe it wasn’t for you.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.sweetsbykeet.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/sweetsbykeet
- Facebook: facebook.com/sweetbykeet
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqqg4p6dAUfxcuNhKlLWpSA
