Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Savella

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

Aloha, my name is Nikki. Born and raised Hilo girl, native Hawaiian māmā of 3, and visionary creator of Cupcakes, BOOM! A tale of sweet success rooted in the heart of our community.

Nestled in the quaint corners of Hilo, Hawaii, Cupcakes, BOOM! stands as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and a sprinkle of island magic. For Nikki, the journey began not with grand aspirations but with a simple desire to serve her beloved hometown.

As a small-town local girl, Nikki’s dreams took shape within the walls of a tiny two-bedroom house back in 2013. It was here that she began to craft her confectionery delights, one cupcake at a time. Little did she know, those humble beginnings would soon erupt into something spectacular, igniting a sweet revolution that would captivate the hearts and taste buds of her community.

The journey to success was not without its challenges. Nikki navigated through ups and downs, facing hills and valleys, and weathering storms along the way. Yet, amidst the chaos, she remained steadfast in her resolve, fueled by an unwavering commitment to her core values: “God, Family & Community.”

With each cupcake baked and every macaron meticulously crafted, Cupcakes, BOOM! became more than just a bakery; it became a beacon of hope, a symbol of resilience, and a gathering place for the community to come together and celebrate life’s sweet moments.

In 2014, at the age of 28, Nikki took a leap of faith and signed her first commercial lease. It was a momentous occasion, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her entrepreneurial journey. From that day forward, there was no looking back.

Today, nearly a decade later, Cupcakes, BOOM! stands as a bustling bakery, bustling with activity and brimming with joy. Nikki’s unwavering dedication, coupled with the support of her community, has transformed her once-small hole-in-the-wall bakery into a thriving hub of creativity and connection.

But beyond the delectable treats and Instagram-worthy cake designs lies a deeper truth—a truth rooted in faith, family, and the unbreakable bonds of community. For Nikki, success is not measured in dollars and cents but in the smiles of her customers, the laughter of her team members, and the sense of belonging that permeates every corner of her bakery.

Whether you stumbled upon Cupcakes, BOOM! through Instagram, joined the line out the door, or heard about it through the coconut wireless, one thing is certain: you’re not just a customer; you’re a friend. Because at Cupcakes, BOOM!, friendship is as sweet as the treats themselves.

As the journey continues, Nikki remains guided by the words of Psalm 46:5: “God is within her, she will not fail.” With faith as her compass and community as her anchor, there’s no limit to what Cupcakes, BOOM! can achieve. So come, join us on this sweet journey, where every cupcake tells a story and every bite is filled with aloha.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

During the pandemic, Cupcakes, BOOM! faced significant economic challenges, starkly highlighting small businesses’ vulnerability. Nikki, the owner, experienced immediate financial insecurity as revenue streams vanished overnight due to lockdowns and reduced foot traffic. This led to a dramatic decline in daily sales. Supply chain disruptions caused operational costs to surge, straining the budget further. Covering payroll and other expenses became daunting, leading to tough decisions like reducing hours and implementing temporary layoffs. Indirectly, the pandemic took a toll on Nikki and her team’s emotional and mental well-being. The bakery’s role as a community gathering place was disrupted, impacting sales beyond everyday transactions. The broader economic downturn also affected customer spending patterns. Despite having no culinary or educational background, Nikki leaned into her sheer will to serve her community and create delicious desserts, pushing through to success. Cupcakes, BOOM! responded by enhancing its online presence, offering contactless delivery, and engaging with customers through social media. These strategies were crucial for survival and gradual recovery, but the scars from the pandemic remain, underscoring the need for resilience and adaptability in facing future crises.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

At Cupcakes, BOOM!, we specialize in creating delicious and visually stunning desserts, including cupcakes, macarons, and custom cake designs. What sets us apart is our commitment to community and creativity. Despite facing economic challenges, we’ve persevered, leaning on sheer will and a passion for serving our community. We take pride in our ability to adapt, innovate, and spread joy through our treats, even amidst adversity. Our dedication to quality, customer service, and community engagement is what truly sets us apart from others in the industry. We’re most proud of our resilience and the deep connections we’ve forged with our customers and community, proving that with determination and a dash of island magic, anything is possible.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?

There are several ways people can work with us, collaborate with us, or support us:

1. Place orders for our delicious desserts for events, special occasions, or just because!
2. Follow us on social media and engage with our content to help spread the word about our bakery.
3. Refer friends and family to our bakery for their dessert needs.
4. Collaborate on community events or fundraisers to support local causes.
5. Leave positive reviews and feedback to help boost our reputation and attract new customers.
6. Share your ideas and suggestions with us for new flavors, designs, or community initiatives.
7. Consider investing in our business or partnering with us for future growth opportunities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cupcakesboom.com
• Instagram: @cupcakesboom