Today we’d like to introduce you to Takila Nuss.
Hi Takila, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
From Server to CEO: My Journey with Essential Dipped Delights
My journey into entrepreneurship wasn’t traditional. With little college education and years spent working as a server and bartender, I’ve been working since I was 14, I knew hard work intimately. As a young girl who didn’t have an active father and my relationship with my mother wasn’t the best I had to take care of myself.
I barely graduated highschool so college was not even a thought. As a single mother with an entrepreneurial mindset, I always dreamed of building something of my own.
What began as a hobby- making chocolate covered strawberries desserts—soon blossomed into something more. In 2015, I officially launched Essential Dipped Delights while juggling two jobs and raising my children. I wanted to break cycles, teaching my kids that while working hard for others is valuable, building something for yourself is just as important.
In January of 2020, I achieved a significant milestone by opening my brick-and-mortar dessert shop in downtown Akron, located inside the Northside Marketplace—a vibrant space housing over 140 small businesses. Just as I was finding my footing, the pandemic hit. Despite the unexpected challenges, I kept moving forward.
Learning on the job has always been my way, and while I may not have had formal education guiding me, I made up for it by seeking out connections and learning from those around me. Even after facing setbacks like having my social media hacked, I remained resilient and kept growing.
My biggest motivation has always been my children. Seeing my 20-year-old son Grant embrace entrepreneurship while balancing college, and my 10-year-old daughter Saige finding her passion as a young entrepreneur, makes every struggle worth it. They see firsthand that dedication and perseverance can turn dreams into reality. Knowing they are learning from my journey inspires me to keep pushing forward, reaching for the sky, and showing them that they too can achieve their dreams.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Entrepreneurship has not been easy. It has definitely been one of the hardest challenges I’ve dealt with. My social media was hacked and taken over by eight individuals that were out of the country. I had gained almost 8,000 followers and I no longer have access to that account.
My business has definitely suffered from this. However, it’s not stopped us. There’s always some type of obstacle that may stand in the way. It does not mean it’s the end. It is just a small detour.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about I am the CEO and owner of a gourmet dessert shop Essential Dipped Delights. We serve an array of delicious desserts. Our goal is to provide great products and service. l?
At Essential Dipped Delights, we specialize in creating mouth-watering desserts that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Our signature treats include decadent chocolate-covered strawberries, indulgent dessert parfaits featuring banana puddings and whipped cheesecakes, loaded apples bursting with flavor, creamy cheesecakes, and our famous stuffed strawberries.
But that’s not all—we also whip up a variety of Saige’s Tummy Yummy treats and refreshing Kool-Aids that keep our customers coming back for more. Whether you’re craving something sweet on the spot or looking to indulge at home, our daily menu is made fresh to order, and our convenient grab-and-go area makes it easy to pick up your favorites on the fly.
In addition to our desserts, we offer a catering menu perfect for events, gatherings, and special occasions. Our catering options make it simple to treat your guests to the irresistible flavors of Essential Dipped Delights.
From sweet cravings to full dessert spreads, we’re here to make every bite a delicious experience.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
To me, taking risks is an essential part of growth and success. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone, even when fear and uncertainty try to hold you back. As an entrepreneur and a mother, I’ve learned that playing it safe doesn’t lead to big dreams—it’s the willingness to take calculated risks that paves the way for progress.
When I decided to turn my passion for making desserts into a business, I knew the road wouldn’t be easy. Opening my brick-and-mortar shop during the pandemic was one of the biggest risks I’ve taken, but I refused to let fear dictate my future. Even when obstacles like getting hacked on social media threatened to set me back, I chose to keep moving forward.
Risk-taking isn’t about being reckless—it’s about having the courage to pursue your vision despite the uncertainties. It’s understanding that every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. I want my children to see that taking risks can lead to incredible rewards and that even when things don’t go as planned, resilience and hard work will see you through.
At the end of the day, I’d rather take a risk and learn from the experience than stay stagnant out of fear. It’s this mindset that keeps me pushing boundaries, growing my business, and setting an example for my children to go after their dreams, no matter the odds.
Pricing:
- •3 Chocolate covered strawberries $8
- •Banana pudding parfait, $6
- •Cheesecake stuffed strawberries $10
- •Saige’s Tummy Yummy’s Kool-Aid $4
- •Loaded apples $10
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Essentialdippeddelights.us
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/essentialdippeddelights?igsh=ZW1mZHFyZGdxMTYx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AK45U7D8r/
