We were lucky to catch up with Nylah Davis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nylah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

1. I came up with the idea because it was something I personally needed. 2020 was my graduation year from college—the same year the world shut down. The department for the job I had been looking forward to joining closed, and I moved back home to Southern California with my family. Instantly, everything I had worked toward after college felt like it had shifted.With my friends spread across the country, I felt like I was missing out on my Living Single or Girlfriends coming-of-age moment—the adventures that shape you and help you grow. If I couldn’t live it, I figured I could write it. I started drafting a short story about a café where a group of young Black adults navigated life and had transformative adventures. As I brought the café in my story to life, it felt so vivid that I could almost see it. Eventually, I set the story aside as a few notes in my journal.Four years later, in 2024, I was cast in a show and reconnected with an old friend who remembered that I once sold cupcakes through my business, Nylah’s Fat Thighz Cupcakes (NFTC), to fund a European tour we had done together. To my surprise, he had kept one of my bookmarks, which I had used as a business card back then—for over ten years! That simple act of keeping the bookmark meant so much to me. It was a reminder that my story mattered enough to be remembered. That bookmark represented a goal I had achieved at the time, and it reminded me of how much more I wanted to accomplish. That’s when the idea hit me: my café would be called The Bookmark. It would symbolize the space between where you’ve been and where you’re going. The Bookmark will be a place where people can explore unique stories and, most importantly, feel inspired to become the main character in their own lives.

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

This isn’t my first time in the entrepreneurship rodeo. My first business “Nylah’s Fat Thighz Cupcakes” was a culinary venture that was made to sponsor a summer tour to Europe in the summer of 2014. The venture opened a door to both professional and personal growth that I would have never expected. It was on this summer trip that I had a greater appreciation for the arts , seeing Wicked for the very first time. This experience that started with food inadvertently lead to the stage. In college I pursued a dual study in hospitality and theatre arts. My mission was to thoroughly understand how storytelling influences groups of people as well as the industry. Combining my passion for performance and my culinary skills I created the concept of my next grand venture “ The Bookmark” . The Bookmark is a homage to my first business , as my very first business bard was a printed bookmark with my information because I was still in high school. The Bookmark will serve as a third space for those that enjoy culturally and ethnically influenced stories.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I have had to expand, rather than unlearn, is related to leadership. As an African American person, the saying “it takes a village” is relevant to almost every element of my life. As a third-generation entrepreneur, I have a host of mentors and family members who are eager to help me make decisions. While this is often a blessing because they are professionals across a wide variety of industries, their advice doesn’t always align with my desired outcomes.
For example, I was hesitant to make a contract deal for a commercial space because it wasn’t an ideal location for my target demographic. However, my mentors encouraged me to proceed because it was a great deal and an emerging area with little competition. Despite my reservations, I went through with it. Months into the planning process, I discovered that the location didn’t meet my licensing requirements and could potentially put my business at risk.
I had noticed red flags early on but chose not to speak up because it felt easier to trust the wisdom of people who care about me. Unfortunately, this decision also put the time and resources they had invested in me at risk. Through this experience, I learned that while it does take a village—and that is a huge privilege—I also can’t be afraid to step up and become the chief.
Using my voice and discernment more critically is how I show respect and care for my supporters, even if I make a judgment that differs from their advice.

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

I believe what has contributed most to my reputation so far is my ability to connect through my voice. Although I’m naturally introverted, I excel in presentations. For me, delivering a pitch feels like performing a small play or putting on a show.

I fully embrace my Black culture in my business, which creates a sense of comfort and authenticity for my Black audience when I share my pitch and invite them to be part of the story. This approach has been particularly effective in networking with other businesses. When speaking with fellow entrepreneurs, I enjoy exchanging ideas—when welcomed—and this has helped me build strong, collaborative relationships.

Even when our businesses are different, I’ve found that shared core values create meaningful connections. I get especially excited to meet other Black-owned and women-owned businesses. Often, in business conversations, people tend to adopt what I call a “culturally neutral” approach, avoiding any topics that might seem controversial or exclusive. I take the opposite approach.

By embracing my own cultural uniqueness, I create an environment where others feel encouraged to share their own stories and values as they relate to their business. This openness has allowed me to foster meaningful partnerships and stand out in my field.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nylahsfatthighzcupcakes.com
• Instagram: @nylahsftcupcake

Image Credits

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