Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Lam.
Hi Nikki, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My passion for baking and cake decorating started as a young girl. Even at age 10, I anxiously waited to get the Wilton yearbook each year and planned which cakes would inspire my creations. Tinkering in the kitchen was my playground and making delicious and beautiful creations was my passion. I have been part of the food industry for 18 years (and have created cakes for 35 years). I currently own a baking business called Nikki’s Sweets and Adornments (making lots of cakes, macarons, and other treats), along with making modeling paste figures and edible flowers for local bakeries and on Etsy. Creating sweets brings me joy, but I have also found how fun it is to teach others my craft. I’ve also enjoyed developing YouTube videos and educational reels. I feel so fortunate to work in a career I love and daily spread joy!
My mission is twofold. I want to empower women to discover a new hobby of cake decorating, and I also want to teach others in the food industry that they can also sell their creations on Etsy. Being in a kitchen for so many years was incredible, and I’m so grateful for it, but it took a beating on my feet. Selling on Etsy and teaching allows me to get off my feet but still be in the field that I love. I want to share this opportunity with others by creating a how to sell on Etsy course in the future. Selling on Etsy is an incredible alternative and my family and I are thrilled with how much my Etsy store has grown.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When I was in my twenties it was a lot easier to work long hours a kitchen. As I’ve aged, this strenuous schedule has not only proved challenging on my body, but my kids wanted their mom close by. I can remember times when I got home from a long shift, and my babies were already in bed. I felt conflicted because I loved being in the food industry, but knew I needed to make a radical change. I was also a passionate runner and had to give up this hobby because I developed plantar fasciitis and heel spurs from standing in one place daily for as much as twelve hours. This is when I took the leap to work for myself and have not looked back! I’m back to running, I feel more creative in my work, I’m challenged each day with the work, and I feel like I’m helping others learn something new. What’s not to love about that?
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I began my career in my twenties working as a respiratory therapist at a hospital. While it was meaningful work, I quickly realized I was craving something more creative—a space where I could express myself in a different way. Baking had always been a passion of mine, and I often brought beautiful, homemade treats to share with my coworkers. Before long, everyone was saying the same thing: “You need to sell these!”
That encouragement planted the seed for what would become a major turning point in my life. It was the moment I realized I could turn my love for baking into a career—and I haven’t looked back since.
I wanted to make extraordinary cakes accessible to everyone! When I sold cakes previously, some of my customers had difficulty affording the cake that they really wanted. By the time I added in the cost for the cake, sugar flowers and/or edible figures, the expenses added up. I decided to create a more affordable way for people to get the cakes they desire. I started selling cake kits that allowed my customers to get plain store-bought cakes and use my kits to decorate their cakes. Interestingly enough, the customers enjoyed getting involved with their kids’ cakes. If the customer wants even more involvement, I offer an online cake course teaching amateur bakers how to bake and decorate a cake like a professional.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
One of the biggest things that’s helped me grow—both creatively and professionally—is seeking out people who are further along on the path I want to walk. I love finding talented individuals on social media who inspire me, whether they’re cake artists, savvy business owners, successful Etsy sellers, or creators thriving with digital products. Watching what they do and how they do it lights the way for my own journey.
Sometimes, if I have a question or just want to connect, I’ll reach out with a message. It’s amazing how often a simple DM can lead to a real conversation—and in some cases, genuine friendships.
I’ve also found that attending baking conferences is a powerful way to connect with others in the industry. There’s something energizing about being in a room full of people who share your passion. You learn, you network, and you realize you’re not doing this alone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nikkissweetsandadornments.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikkissweetsandadornments/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nikkiscakeadornments
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NikkisSweetsandAdornments
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/NiksSweetAdornments
