We were lucky to catch up with Nailah Browne recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nailah, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?

One of the biggest trends I am noticing in my industry as a pastry chef who does weddings, is that more brides are wanting smaller wedding cakes and more dessert catering. Personally I love this trend, I think there is something so special about the couple having something for themselves, and the guests enjoy a an array of desserts selected by the couple. Most of the weddings I have done of recent have been in this format, the couples love the idea of having all the different desserts along with a luxe cake to cut.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I grew up on the beautiful island of St.Croix USVI. As a child I’ve always had an interest in the kitchen but most particularly baking. I relocated to Florida in 2013 and Tampa Bay has been my home ever since. In 2015, as a self taught baker, I established Island Girl Custom Cakes & Cupcakes; what would later become Stackd Cake Studio. I attended Manatee Technical College and Graduated with an Associates degree in Baking & Pastry in 2016 in order to perfect my craft and learn the science of bakery and more techniques. Upon graduating, I have held Baking and Pastry positions at a number of establishments included Head Baker & Manager at a high profile sports academy locally. During covid my homebred bakery grew as more people were staying home and celebrating in smaller spaces. As a millennial, I notice trends, and demands among consumers. While working in a cupcake shop, I noticed that customers were wanting more variety and options, birthing Stackd Cake Studio. Stackd Cake Studio is the brain child of my sister who came up with the concept of having cake layers, with a choice of butterceams, fillings, & toppings all built right before the customers eyes. Stackd Cake Studio opened in Ellenton Fl in April of 2021. In 2022 we closed our location and transitioned to mobile markets where we sell all of our most popular combinations and an array of other desserts.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Yes, after closing the doors to my store front almost 1 year ago, I had to find a way to pivot my business to still serve my customers and work from home as I did before. I could have taken a break and not keep moving forward, but I decided to join local markets. Deciding to join markets has been great for me, as it gives me the opportunity to meet new potential customers and make new connections. I’ve also have the time to create new business models to elevate my brand and move into a more service based business, as I would like to be.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

Yes, although if been in business since 2015, I only started doing my business full-time after quitting my pastry cook job during covid to stay at home with my daughter. Covid was a time to drive business in this industry as more people were spending more money on cakes for their kids and family members since they couldn’t celebrate with others. This drove my business up , as well as the cupcake kits and other niche holiday products. The success of my covid sales, made me want to open my storefront in 2021.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stackdcakes.com
• Instagram: @Stackd.CakeStudio
• Facebook: @Stackd.CakeStudio

Image Credits
Lydia L Photography, Cherise Richards Photography, Shauna & Jordan Photography Associates, Ying Photography SRQ, Foto Bohemia