We recently connected with Takila Nuss and have shared our conversation below.

Takila, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

The biggest risk that I’ve taken is definitely quitting my job and starting a dessert business. I’ve been an entrepreneur at heart and was tired of working hard for other companies. In January of 2020 I decided to quit my job that I worked for 8 years as a server to open up a dessert shop. Essential Dipped Delights started as a hobby, then a side hustle now a full-time business. It was right before the pandemic hit us hard and the world pretty much shut down When we opened our Brick-and-Mortar Business. I really stepped out on faith to be my own boss, not realizing that Covid 19 was taking over. I had already questioned myself quitting my job that I had worked and provided for my family for many years. Luckily, I had already built a social media presence and had a good customer base following. We were off to a positive start then 2 months after we were fully licensed and open for operation there were state mandates that required many places to close the doors.

We were able to get back to work, but being very aware and careful of the proper precautions that were required for us to safely serve the public. There were many days that we didn’t have any sales at all. Our social media was hacked and taken over by people in foreign countries. I had worked hard to get our following up to 8,000 followers just to lose it to hackers. To this day we have no access to our original Facebook account Essential Dipped Delights. That prompted me to start a new Facebook page Essential Dipped Delights 2. With currently less than 2,000 followers we are trying to stay afloat and gain new customers and followers every day.

Takila, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I officially started Essential Dipped Delights in 2015 during Valentines Day. Making chocolate covered strawberries was how it all started. I knew I wanted to be a business owner. I just never thought it would be in the sweets industry. I was a single mother of Grant who at the time was about 9 years old. Soon after I had gotten pregnant with Saige. I knew I wanted to break cycles and give my children opportunities that I didn’t have as a child.

So, I started placing myself in networking environments and I connected with a business mentor Tracy Williams. I also took courses at the Urban League and Stark State. I started learning about credit. I worked on fixing my credit, all while working a couple jobs and selling treats out of my kitchen at home. I had a full menu that I offered several days a week. I am very proud of myself for all of the steps that I have taken to be a business owner. I meet amazing people that starts off as customers, but some often becomes family. I get to put many smiles on hearts and bellies. Starting a business is not easy but knowing that we contribute to making people happy that really brings me a lot of joy.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

When the opportunity was presented to me to open up my shop, I really didn’t know how I was going to fund it. Although I didn’t have much money to invest, I did have good credit. Credit was something that had recently became very important to me once I learned the importance of responsibly using my credit. I was able to pay for my equipment with credit cards, I was also able to take out loans and get some grants that really helped me on my journey.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe being consistent and having a great product has definitely helped me to build a positive reputation in the community. I love what I do. I love my customers . I am 100% involved in everything that comes out of our kitchen. This is my baby, I birthed it. Therefore, it means the most to me that customers are satisfied and happy with their overall experience when dealing with Essential Dipped Delights.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://essentialdippeddelights.us
• Instagram: Essential Dipped Delights
• Facebook: Essential Dipped Delights 2