Today we’d like to introduce you to Ahnyia Sanders.
Hi Ahnyia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started off with burnt sugar cookies in my first easy bake oven when I was a little girl. My two brothers made a whole song about me burning the cookies, and I have been baking ever since. I had an easy bake collection before I took my talents to the kitchen to bake cornbread for the first time. In high school, I sold homemade chocolate chip cookies.
For my graduation gift, I asked my uncle for a mixer that I could take with me to college. I was having an intense sophomore year in college, taking Orgo, Bio, Calc, and Spanish both semesters. I had to stop participating in most of the extracurriculars that brung me joy just to stay afloat in my classes. So I thought about things I could do for my own mental health. Baking brings me joy, and I love to see people’s reactions to my creations. I decided to open up my mixer and start selling homemade cupcakes and personal cakes on the weekend and called them “Sweet Treat Saturdays.” It allowed me to be able to focus on school but still have the freedom and flexibility to bring myself and people on campus something to enjoy, a sweet treat that was different and flavorful. That turned out to be a success, and I sold out every weekend. After studying abroad my junior year and being sent home to Florida early due to COVID, I decided to make Nyia’s Sweet Treats official. I purchased an LLC and expanded my business.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it definitely has not been a smooth road at all. I’d have to say one of my biggest challenges was moving my business back and forth from Pennsylvania to Florida while I was working on my bachelor’s degree (pre-med track). Just finding a new customer base and stopping business when things were really picking up hurt my drive sometimes. However, that would be looking at the cup half empty when it is actually half full. I thank God every day for my tenacity to figure it out. As my dad would have said, “you have hustler DNA running through your veins so I know you’ll be okay.”
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Nyia’s Sweet Treats?
With Nyia’s Sweet Treats, my primary goals is to bring a smile with every bite. Everyone needs a pick-me-up every now and then, and what a better way to get one than with a homemade sweet treat? We specialize in unique flavor combinations with our cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. We are known for our Cookies, Pineapple Coconut Cake, and our decadent Peach Cobbler Pound Cake – a must-try. We’re located in Broward County, we ship to different places in the U.S., and we cater to large events.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Just keep pushing! Even when you feel like you’re failing, you are NOT. Every time you “fail” you increase your chances of success by making adjustments; especially to your mindset. Strategizing and problem-solving are going to be your new best friends. It’s hard to be an entrepreneur, but there is so much opportunity for growth in all aspects of your life and business. It is also okay to ask for help and get advice from other people in your field. You would be surprised at the number of people who are willing to help you become successful.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://nyias-sweet-treats.square.site/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/nyiassweettreats?utm_medium=copy_link
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nyiassweettreats
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/nyiasweettreats?s=11
Image Credits
Eric Forberger
