We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nikki Thompson Frazier a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Nikki thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard.
At Sweet Encounter Bakery, we take pride in our ability to diverge from the industry standard by catering to the needs of people with dietary restrictions. Our bakery is not just your typical sweet treat destination – we are a gluten-free and peanut-free haven for those with allergies and sensitivities.
Our story is rooted in a personal journey – I started this venture because my two daughters have severe allergies to wheat and peanuts. This first-hand experience led me to recognize the lack of delicious gluten-free options in the market and sparked a determination to create something better.
After trying numerous gluten-free products available, I took matters into my own hands and set out to crack the code. Through dedication and experimentation, I discovered innovative ways to make gluten-free food taste exceptional without compromising flavor and texture.
At Sweet Encounter Bakery, we go above and beyond to ensure that every bite of our baked goods is safe for those with dietary restrictions and incredibly delicious. Our commitment to quality and innovation sets us apart from the industry standard, and we are honored to serve a community of customers who appreciate our dedication to providing exceptional gluten-free and peanut-free treats.
Through our unique approach to baking, we strive to make a difference in the lives of those with dietary restrictions, offering them a delightful and satisfying experience that they may have thought was out of reach. At Sweet Encounter Bakery, we believe that everyone deserves to enjoy a sweet treat, regardless of their dietary needs, and we are proud to be able to provide that to our customers.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am Nikki Frazier, a proud mompreneur and the founder of Sweet Encounter. In 2015, I launched Sweet Encounter as an online and wholesale bakery specializing in top-notch gluten-free desserts. The inspiration behind starting this sweet venture stemmed from my deep-rooted motivation – my daughters’ food allergies.
When the pandemic hit in 2020, I decided to pivot and offer virtual and in-person cooking classes for individuals of all ages. This move allowed me to connect with a broader audience and share my passion for gluten-free cooking with others.
In 2021, I won the Lansing Built to Last Business Competition, allowing me to open my first storefront in Lansing, MI, on February 16, 2022. Today, Sweet Encounter offers delectable gluten-free treats and eats and hosts cooking classes for all ages, including corporate team-building events.
Throughout my entrepreneurial journey, I have been fortunate to win several business and baking competitions. One of the highlights of my career was competing on Food Network’s Bakers vs. Fakers in 2017, an experience that genuinely fueled my love for baking.
Before diving into the world of baking, I served as the executive director of a non-profit organization and worked in corporate communications, training, and development. Additionally, I have been actively involved in various non-profit boards, holding positions ranging from Board President to Publicity Chair.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Indiana University and a Master’s in Communications from Ball State University. I am based in Lansing, where I reside with my husband, Terrence Frazier, and our daughters, Melia and Madison. We also have guardianship of my sister Shona, who has Down Syndrome.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Our affiliation with Downtown Lansing, Inc. (DLI) and our partnership with Michigan State University have significantly built our reputation within our market. Collaborating with these esteemed organizations has allowed us to showcase our commitment to quality, innovation, and community engagement, ultimately solidifying our presence and credibility in the industry. We are grateful for the support and opportunities that these partnerships have brought to Sweet Encounter, and we look forward to continuing to grow and thrive within our market with their ongoing support.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
I met my business partner and husband, Dr.Terry Frazier, in 2001 at Ball State University while pursuing my Master’s degree. Our love story began to bloom, and we started dating in 2004. On September 2, 2007, we took the leap and exchanged vows, embarking on an incredible journey together.
Our family grew in 2011 when we welcomed our oldest daughter, Melia, followed by the arrival of our youngest, Madison, in 2013. It was a turning point for us when Melia and Madison were diagnosed with allergies, motivating us to venture into entrepreneurship by opening our bakery in 2015. This allowed us to cater to individuals (like our kids) with dietary restrictions, combining our love for baking with a desire to provide delicious treats for everyone.
Contact Info:
- Website: sweetencounterbakery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetencounterbakery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetencounterbakery