Today we’d like to introduce you to Nakia N. Ard.
Hi Nakia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Nakia N Ard, and I am the Owner and Confectionary Artist for N’Dulge Luxe Treat Boutique. My company began out of a desire to be reminded of who I was as a person after divorce. I found myself in a place of not knowing who I was anymore, because my identity was immersed in being a wife/mother. I found that I needed to “indulge” in life and the things that I once enjoyed so that I could get back to the me I used to be. I’ve always loved confections since I was a child. My stepfather owned a candy store, and I went there most days after school. I also used to bake cakes for my mother’s birthday every year and followed this same tradition when I became a mom. It was sheer accident that my baking became a business. I had an idea for an argyle sweater cake, and with no formal training decided I was going to make it. I DID, and the rest, as they say, is history.
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?
I think deep down I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur, but never thought it could be a full-time pursuit. My mother was an entrepreneur, as well as a business professional, so watching her, I always had the desire in me to be one. It has been rewarding but also, at times, daunting due to wanting to pursue entrepreneurship full-time, but having the funding necessary to do so can be challenging. Additionally, deciding on what avenues to pursue to increase brand awareness when starting from scratch can be very intimidating.
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 am a self-taught pastry artisan & confectioner, which, in short, means I create sweet & savory treats. I enjoy the art of the confectionery world and the ability to express art and creativity. I specialize in petit gateaux (little cakes), gourmet cake slices, donuts, beignets & cinnamon rolls. I love what I do because it gives me creative freedom and allows me to present an unmatched experience to my customers. I enjoy the interaction with them and hearing how they enjoy the products that I am offering. There is nothing like the feeling of presenting your idea vs customer perception and then getting positive feedback. What I am most proud of in this business is the fact that “IT EXISTS.” Having an idea and bringing it to fruition is a feeling like none other. It brings an immense amount of joy and self-reliance that is unparalleled.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
By nature, I am a bold thinker. I believe that one’s uniqueness can encourage others to embody their own. I am also a people-first leader, as I am attempting to encourage other women to utilize their innate abilities to change their circumstances. This is what my business has done for me, and I know that when barriers are removed, and a woman is able to see her potential in ways she hasn’t before, she can move mountains. I believe that selflessness and serving others will be my pathway to success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ndulgeluxetreats.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ndulgeluxetreats/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ndulgeluxetreats/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nakianard/
