Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicci Julian.
Hi Nicci, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started my love for baking and pastry when I was four years old. I loved baking random items that I’m sure did not taste good with mom and by myself. Once I was in high school, I started working in restaurants, catering jobs, and corseting cakes for fun. At that time, my only focus was playing tennis, but I knew I had a career for baking and pastry. Shortly after applying to The Culinary Institute of America in 2013, I decided to major in Baking and Pastry.
I moved to Napa Valley, where I studied baking basics, chocolatier work, professionalism, and the art of cakes/breads. However, my mom was soon diagnosed with stage four brain cancer. Six months later when things started to take a turn for the worst, I made the executive decision to return home to Southern California to be with her. During that time, I landed a position as an externship at The Pelican Hill Resort, Newport Beach. I became a pastry cook with a full-time Jon that I quickly disliked. The French Pastry Chef background was not my style.
When my mother passed, I learned that there was more to the world than being unhappy with your job. I quit my pastry cook position and went to business school. In 2014 I attended community college, and then graduated in 2018 at Chapman University, Business Administration with a Leadership emphasis.
During those years of college, I baked and baked and baked… Confections was created my freshman year by social media. Since then, I have published two baking books, started a website, and a profit-based cookie company called Liams Sugar Heroes raising funds and awareness for pediatric cancer.
I now have expanded to Austin, Texas and I am loving booking weddings, corporate gatherings, and all special events.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been a controlled, smooth road. I have scaled my business slowly. I still enjoy doing a lot of the baking, with the help of others and deliveries.
Challenges will approach and you will need to learn to adjust.
We’ve been impressed with Confectious Pastry Shop, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Confectious Pastry Shop is an online, one-stop, full-service pastry shop. We create all custom cakes and desserts for weddings, corporate gatherings, and special events.
We also provide gluten-free and vegan, with all deliveries.
I enjoy participating in creative, innovative projects during the years.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Networking is huge! I casually network in the sense of I love meeting new individuals of all ages and backgrounds. You will learn, you will grow personally, and you will understand the beauty of life. It is important to network not only online, but in person. You should be taking every opportunity you can, always.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://confectiouspastryshop.com
- Instagram: @confectiouspastryshop
- Facebook: Confectious Pastry Shop
Image Credits
Elizabeth French Photo
