We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nicole Golliday-Kraal a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Nicole, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear how you think where to draw the line in terms of asking friends and family to support your business – what’s okay and what’s over the line?

You know, support can be very subjective! It can be really difficult starting a business, let alone, running it by yourself. Having support from your family and friends is very important, though, not everyone will offer it or even be there for you along the journey. I have found that I have a handful of people I can depend on to support my business, that are really close to me. For example, my husband, my sister, my mom, my kids, a few family members and my best friends. This is definitely not to exclude the support of my customers, but when you say family and friends, you expect everyone in your family to be on board with you for the ride. Like, “why would you spend your money with someone else, when you can spend it with me?” Or, “Hey! I know someone that can do that for you!” That’s the “support” you expect from family and friends. So, believe it or not, I get a lot of support from complete strangers, or people I haven’t talked to or seen in ages!! Seriously, like 20 years ago…

As a fairly new business owner, I started out by giving things away! Until this day, I am an avid “giver”! There are days where I go to work and I had gotten up early that morning and baked before work just so bananas wouldn’t go bad. People loveeeee and enjoy free things! People would even ask, “Hey, when are you going to bring some more this…or that? When are you going to cook again?” The reality is I would always give things away, if food wasn’t so expensive! I started seeing a trend where people would always rave about my products and always have their hands out when things were free, but if I was selling things or showed people a price list, they would go silent. That feeling sucked! So, I started only giving to those who poured back into me! I worked with people’s schedules, took last minute orders, offered my services to those who I knew would support me, and I feel great every time I get support from those who place orders with me!

I have learned that some people will not support you! They will be in an unknown competition with you. They will never refer. They will take you for everything you have to offer! So, the best thing to do is be a kind person and never block your own blessings. I refer people to other business owners when I am unavailable. I offer suggestions that work best for customers, and their budgets. I am HONEST with people and I try to be as accommodating as possible. So, in the end, you don’t really need to ask for support, but it will show up when you need it!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a 35 year old, mom of 3! I work full-time in the transportation industry and cooking and baking has always been a passion of mine. I started Colee’s Treats & Eats at the start of the 2020 pandemic and it was definitely a blessing in disguise. What used to be “just a hobby” of mine has opened many doors and given me many opportunities. I am almost never not busy! That’s definitely a gift and a curse, but a pleasure nonetheless! I am a one woman show! I am not some grand storefront, and I don’t have a fancy truck, but I love what I do! I operate by taking custom orders from clients and I cater small events for families, friends, and even corporate events. I have even had the pleasure of working with some bigger companies such as DHL, HomebuilderONE and 20th Television. I started out by vending at pop-up events, but haven’t found much free-time for those lately. Although, I wish to get back into them, just to expand my business.

Designing and customizing cakes and sweet treats are what most people come to me for. I have a growing love for cake challenges, and am open to all ideas from customers. The bigger the idea, the better! I do appreciate a little simplicity every now and the, though! I do have a taco cart and also a love for asian and mexican cuisine, but I will come up with or create menu for anything a customer requests!

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Quality work and great customer service! You have to love working for and with people! If you do not love what you do, why do it? I know that as a business owner, you technically do not work for people, but you do! If a person hires you for a job, it is best to put your all into it. If I am not comfortable with something, I will absolutely communicate that to a customer. It’s all about building a rapport with your customers and letting them know they can trust you, and you are there for them. In turn, they will give you great feedback! Hopefully!

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

GOOGLE!! Google has brought soooo many customers and potential customers my way! I know that it is a free site, but when I had my paid website, traffic was so minimal. Google, instagram and word of mouth has kept me on top of things! I always tell my husband, “I sell cakes to pay for groceries!” lol In all seriousness though, the internet has been a big help in generating new clients for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/coleestreatseats
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coleestreatseats/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coleestreatseats