After the dotcom crash and 9/11, Candace was left wondering what she wanted to do as a career. She knew she loved baking, so she decided to enroll in pastry school instead of going to business school. Soon, Sprinkles was born.
In today's episode, we sit down with Candace Nelson, co-founder of Sprinkles, the revolutionary cupcake company that took the world by storm and created the cupcake craze. Candace shares her tips for starting an undoable business, she talks about her new book and her new business, working with a business coach, and so much more.
"Here's this uniquely American treat, which I appreciated because I, you know, growing up overseas, I realized how American they were. Everyone had this nostalgia for cupcakes, and yet they were being treated, just like, you know, lunchbox here. So that's when I had the aha moment to reinvent the cupcake." - Candace Nelson
If you’re looking to take your business to the next level, join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
If you’re looking to take your business to the next level:
Join our Entreprenista League community of women founders! You’ll have access to a private community of like-minded Entreprenistas who are making an impact in business every day, special discounts on business products and solutions, exclusive content, private events, the opportunity to have your story featured on our website and social channels, and MORE!
Whether you’re looking to scale your existing business and want to make the right connections, or you’re thinking about finally taking the leap to launch your business, we’re here to give you access to a community of women who will celebrate your every step, and with whom you can share the candid reality of building a business from scratch.
Join the Entreprenista League today at entreprenista.com/join. We can’t wait to welcome you, support you, and be part of your business journey!
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Hosts
Stephanie Cartin is a serial entrepreneur, investor, podcast host, community builder, and a champion for women founders. She created the Entreprenista League, a community for women founders, to provide resources and support necessary at all business stages. She’s also the Co-founder of Socialfly, one of the first social media marketing agencies, as well as Entreprenista Media and Pearl Influential Capital which was recently acquired by Cherub. Stephanie has shared her journey managing her health challenges with Multiple Sclerosis, Infertility, and a complicated pregnancy and is an advocate for women going through similar challenges. Her story and businesses have been featured on the Today Show, Bloomberg and Forbes. Consider Stephanie your biggest business cheerleader.
Courtney Spritzer is an accomplished entrepreneur, investor, podcast host, and advocate for women founders. As Co-Founder and CEO of Socialfly, a social-first digital agency launched in 2012 and acquired in 2024, she has helped shape the industry with innovative strategies. She co-founded the Entreprenista League, a community for women founders, offering essential resources and support for all stages of business growth. Courtney’s entrepreneurial journey and business insights have been highlighted in top publications like Entrepreneur.com, Bloomberg, and Forbes.
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Highlights
- Candace shares her background and where her Entreprenista gene comes from 3:05
- Why Candace chose pastry school over business school and how that led to her starting Sprinkles 7:07
- Candace shares about her tips and lessons for Entreprenistas who are starting businesses that seem undoable 13:58
- Candace talks about her book, Sweet Success 22:19
- Candace talks about working with a business coach 28:01
- How Candace decided what to do after Sprinkles 30:06
- Candace explains the logistics behind the iconic cupcake ATM 37:29
- Rapid fire questions 40:23
- Candace's top need for maintaining balance 42:56
- What being an Entreprenista means to Candace 48:19