Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nikeah Leech. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Nikeah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

In my opinion, it takes a very strong mind and work ethic to be successful. Running a business in these uncertain economic times, requires ingenuity and the willingness to adapt your business to rapid change.

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 a 35 year old married mother of 4. My life is hectic with that alone. Baking became a side hustle for me in 2014 after deciding to stay home with my 4 kids instead of continuing my career. I decided to team up with another like-minded individual (Kelly Butler-Turner) so we could cover a variety of dessert and party options for customers. Our first big break was given by some local restaurant owners in our city by the names of John & Tammy Hall. They allowed us to rent their commercial kitchen and sell our items to their customers. This was an opportunity to present our products in a bakery-like fashion. After they sold the restaurant, we decided to part ways with the location we’d grown to love. I had the option to return to my former career; which was managing an optical shop in the University Mall in Tuscaloosa. We decided to split the company into 2 locations with Kelly staying in Columbus and completely taking over the brand there. I moved my family back to Tuscaloosa and we used every opportunity to create brand awareness and new clientele in a new State.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In 2020, while on vacation; I sustained a moderate head injury. The lingering symptoms resulted in my stepping down from my essential corporate job. There was no unemployment benefit as I’d ended my job status. My cognitive issues limited me from taking on anything new. We moved our family of 6 into a 2 bedroom apartment and cut ever non-essential expense we had. After applying for a grant from Beyoncé’s “Bey-Good” foundation & the NACCP; we were selected as the recipients of a $10k investment into Dreamz. Given my slim options, I put it all on the line and decided to exploit my boundaries and physical limitations. I leased a food court space in the same mall where I’d previously been employed. This set the foundation for the success we’ve had in the last 2 years.

Tell us about someone remarkable to Sweet Dreamz Tuscaloosa?

Dreamz’ Tuscaloosa’s very first employee was Rocki Austin, a spina bifida warrior with a desire to be employed. I loved her attitude about her physical limitations. She reminded me of my new self. Rocki was hired to be a cashier and used her social media following to bring much needed local attention to my new shop. We motivate each other to keep pushing and defy every odd given.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sweetdreamzttown.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/sweetdreamzttown?igshid=YWJhMjlhZTc=
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/TtownDreamz

Image Credits
Nikeah Leech