While working as an optician and later mentor manager for an optical concern in the Tuscaloosa region a few years ago, Nikeah Leech began to realize she had a knack for business. When the 2011 tornado that ripped through the west Alabama city displaced her family, Leech moved back to her hometown, to Columbus. She didn’t realize it at the time, but the transition would set the stage for her entrepreneurial debut.
Leech and her friend, Kelly Butler, launched Sweet Dreamz Delivered in January 2015. The duo creates cupcakes and a variety of other sweet treats to order — and they deliver in the city limits of Columbus.
Celebrating the enterprise’s one year anniversary, Leech looked back on its beginnings — on how a stay-at-home mom first grew an idea. The New Hope High School and East Mississippi Community College alumna had always enjoyed baking. She began learning early, a little girl dusting a cup in flour to cut out biscuits at her grandmother’s house on Saturday mornings. She was also inspired by her mother, who holds a degree in culinary arts.
In 2012, back in Columbus and growing her family, Leech enrolled in business courses at Saint Leo University. Like other moms, she sent cupcakes and goodies to her children’s events and parties. Before long, she was getting requests to take custom orders. Encouraged by her husband, she began developing a plan for a part-time baking business.
“After weighing the pros and cons, I decided it was worth a shot, worth the freedom,” Leech said. But the mother of four children was “praying for a partner.” Enter Facebook — and photos Butler had posted of dipped strawberries she had made. When Leech saw them, the pieces seemed to fall into place. The two girls had even known each other during their high school years: Butler graduated from Columbus High School. Before long, Leech approached her with the idea of a partnership.
“This was a perfect pairing, because she did items that I didn’t, items that would complement each other for events or parties,” Leech remarked.
In Butler, she found a like-minded spirit, one unafraid of hard work. Butler is enrolled in the nursing program at EMCC, is mom to a 4-year-old daughter, and works two part-time jobs, including the weekend editorial assistant postition at The Dispatch.
“There are never enough hours in the day!” Butler laughed. It took faith to add a new business venture on top of school and the existing workload, but “Nikeah had an awesome business plan, and my love for baking jumped for the chance.”
These days, Butler finds time for several trips to the grocery store every week as orders come in, and thinks nothing of dipping strawberries while studying or listening to her daughter Khloe tell about her day.
Standing apart
In an effort to distinguish themselves, Leech and Butler decided to deliver to customers in the Columbus city limits, for a modest $5 charge.
“Convenience is something I feel people are always seeking,” Leech said.
The Sweet Dreamz Delivered menu includes cupcakes of every kind, including a popular strawberry shake cupcake and the turtledove cupcake, baked with toasted pecans, drizzled with caramel and topped with pecans.
Dipped strawberries are the core of their business and range from basic white or milk chocolate, to gourmet berries with additional toppings, sugar berries and even liquor-infused berries. Or, perhaps apples suit the occasion — candied apples, gourmet apples, apple slices with toppings or dipped in chocolate.
Sweet Dreamz also offers cake jars, dipped pretzels, chocolate-covered cherries, truffles, gourmet cookies, fruit trays and more. Leech and Butler are continually exploring flavors and combinations.
A significant development in the Sweet Dreamz story came about thanks to free cupcake samples the women delivered around town. One of them ended up in the hands of Ranch House Restaurant owner John Hall after he stopped in a bank that had received a promo batch. He and his wife, Tammy, made contact with Leech and Butler. The bakers now utilize the restaurant kitchen for their business and daily sell products at the eatery. Leech now also works at the Ranch House two days a week as a part-time manager.
First year lessons
One year in, the dessert-makers have gotten a feel for the flow and demands of the business.
“I’ve learned to always plan ahead — and that being an entrepreneur means taking risks, but the rewards definitely outweigh them,” said Leech.
The two moms and businesswomen continue to perfect their juggling skills, settling into the rhythms of managing family, work and school. The first year has brought them increased exposure and jobs catering sweets for everything from a fashion show to charity events. They are inspired, Butler said, by the expression on customers’ faces when they see and taste their treats.
The inaugural year has also reinforced something they already knew: A business plan is paramount.
“If you don’t have a business plan, it’s just a hobby,” Leech said.
Editor’s note: Find Sweet Dreamz Delivered on Facebook or contact Leech at 662-364-2545 or Butler at 662-425-4028.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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