HOUSTON – There’s no doubt Candace Nelson is the cupcake queen. Sprinkles Cupcakes, the company she co-founded with her husband, has sold more than 200 million cupcakes worldwide. Baking is her passion, but it wasn’t her original career path.
After working in investment banking and then for an internet start up twenty years ago, Nelson completely changed course to follow her passion: baking. She never considered herself an entrepreneur, but her husband Charles prompted her to follow her heart. After she attended pastry school, Sprinkles was born.
“I feel so lucky to have the career I’ve had, because everyone said my idea wouldn’t make it,” said Nelson of Sprinkles Cupcakes, which now has more than 20 stores and 30 cupcake ATMs.
She didn’t stop at cupcakes. Nelson has authored several books, appeared on countless TV shows including the Netflix hit “Sugar Rush” (she also served as Executive Producer on the show), and founded another successful chain: Pizzana - which is now open in Houston. Nelson partnered with Naples-born chef and television personality Daniele Uditi to create their own interpretation of classic Neapolitan pizzas and antipasti. Her delicious desserts are also on the menu, of course.
She’s a big believer in supporting other entrepreneurs, backing startups with a focus on females and other underrepresented groups.
Nelson doesn’t let negativity get in her way, saying, “I think as an entrepreneur you get used to having a vision for the world that people don’t really understand yet, so there were a lot of naysayers around me, but I stayed true to my idea. I listened to my gut, and I persevered.”
We’re glad she did.
To connect with Nelson and learn more about her many projects and delicious creations, visit her website.