Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nikole Richie. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Nikole, appreciate you joining us today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?
I was a first-time mom, raising a baby during a worldwide pandemic, praying I could find a way to buy myself just a little more time at home with her. One day, I decided to make hot cocoa bombs—just for fun—and posted them on Instagram without expecting much. To my surprise, that one post exploded. By the end of the week, I had made over 900 cocoa bombs for people from all over town.
I still remember my very first customer, Carmen. She was someone who was casually looking to try the new cocoa bomb trend when she came across my story and felt inspired enough to support me. When she picked up her order, she gave me the most incredible pep talk and wished me luck. That small act of kindness meant so much to me, and four years later, she still supports my now small business.
That moment changed everything. It gave me the confidence to dream bigger—and it was the beginning of what is now Milani’s Sweet Tooth.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m a hardworking, dedicated single mom who built my business from the ground up, self taught while navigating life, motherhood, and entrepreneurship — often all at once. I’m not just a business owner; I’m a proud Mama to Milani a little girl with the ultimate sweet tooth. I’m also a PTO mom, a creative soul, a gym girl and a woman determined to create a life of purpose, joy, and sweetness for myself and my daughter.
I started dipping chocolate during the pandemic as a way to stay home longer with my newborn daughter. What began as a fun project turned into a full-fledged business almost overnight. Since then, Milani’s Sweet Tooth has grown into a brand that specializes in custom luxury cakes, luxury treats, and themed dessert experiences — all made with love and intention.
Whether I’m designing a birthday cake, crafting an elegant dessert table, or hosting one of my Cake & Sip decorating classes, my goal is always the same: to create something that looks beautiful, tastes incredible, and makes people feel celebrated.
What sets me apart is my attention to detail and my deep passion for creating. I’m a one-woman show — from the design concepts to the baking, packaging, photography, and marketing, I handle it all. When you order from Milani’s Sweet Tooth, you’re not just getting a treat — you’re getting a piece of me. Every swirl of frosting, every sprinkle, and every cake tier is made with care, creativity, intention and love.
I understand the importance of celebrating life’s moments, both big and small. That’s why I strive to make each order personal and meaningful. I want every customer to feel like their cake or treat was made just for them — because it was.
What I’m most proud of is the community I’ve built through my business. From returning customers to first-time clients, from moms who attend my decorating classes to people who simply follow along on social media for inspiration — I’m so grateful to be part of their sweetest moments.
At the end of the day, I want people to know that Milani’s Sweet Tooth is more than a Cake studio. It’s a reflection of hard work, love, creativity, and the belief that with passion and purpose, you can build something beautiful — even in the midst of chaos.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
T he most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been showing up consistently and building genuine connections — both online and in real life. I started by sharing my work on Instagram, but I didn’t just post pretty pictures — I shared my story. From the late nights in the kitchen to balancing mom life and business, people connected with me, not just the cakes. That authenticity helped build trust and loyalty early on.
Word of mouth has been incredibly powerful. I’ve been blessed with an amazing support system — friends and loyal customers who constantly speak my name in rooms I’m not in. They share my work, rave about the taste of my treats, and highlight the detail I put into everything I do. Honestly, I couldn’t have grown this brand without them.
I also host themed Cake & Sip decorating classes, which bring people into my world in a fun and personal way. These events help new clients experience my brand beyond just the final product — they get to feel the heart behind it.
In the end, it’s a mix of authenticity, community, and making every person feel special through a product that’s both beautiful and delicious.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Being a business owner, requires a level of discipline and hustle that people don’t always see behind the scenes. There’s no PTO, no guaranteed paycheck — if I don’t do the work, I don’t get paid. That means I have to show up, create, sell, deliver, and find new ways to grow — all while making sure my daughter is cared for and her needs are met.
There have been slow seasons, moments when orders stopped coming in and I felt that fear creep in. I’ve had nights where I stayed up panicking, praying, and wondering how I’d make ends meet. I’ve come close to walking away — thinking maybe I should go back to the corporate world for stability.
But every single time, God makes a way. A new client comes, a large order pops up, or a door opens that reminds me why I started. Those moments have taught me to keep pushing, to keep trusting, and to never underestimate the power of faith paired with hard work.
This journey has stretched me, strengthened me, and shaped me — not just as a businesswoman, but as a woman and a mother who’s committed to building something beautiful for her daughter’s future.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milanissweettooth/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/treatsbymst
- Other: https://linktr.ee/Milanissweettoothllc?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=46a40588-f3b8-4f19-8545-739abb6c6fa5
