Community Highlights: Meet Nicole Torchia of Sweets by Nicolina

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Torchia.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My love for baking started when I was a kid. While most kids were excited about toys, I was thrilled when my parents would buy me baking supplies. I’ve always loved creating something special in the kitchen. In 2020, when my sister was expecting her second daughter, I started baking for family events like baby showers and birthdays, and that’s when my hobby turned into a passion.

I named my business Sweets by Nicolina as a tribute to my grandpa, who used to call me by that nickname. He believed in me so much, and his encouragement is behind everything I create. Today, I specialize in custom cakes, cookies, and other sweets for all kinds of events. My goal is to make every order as special as the moments people are celebrating.

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?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped Sweets by Nicolina into what it is today. Starting out, one of the biggest struggles was perfecting my recipes and techniques. Baking for family is one thing, but creating professional-quality sweets that meet high expectations is a whole different level.

Time management was another challenge, especially when orders started picking up. Balancing custom designs, baking schedules, and client communication can be overwhelming, especially when every order is unique and requires attention to detail.

Another hurdle has been pricing my work appropriately. It’s hard to put a value on something you pour your heart into while also staying competitive in the market.

Through it all, I’ve learned to adapt, stay organized, and trust in my creativity. The support from my family, friends, and clients has been incredible, and that’s what keeps me motivated to push through the tough times.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Sweets by Nicolina, I specialize in creating custom cakes, cookies, cupcakes, and a variety of other treats for special events like weddings, baby showers, bridal showers, and birthday parties. My focus is on delivering not just delicious desserts but also ones that are visually stunning and tailored to each client’s vision.

I’m probably best known for my specialty cookies, which come in unique flavors like brown butter snickerdoodle, blueberry lavender, and s’mores cheesecake. I take pride in crafting desserts that stand out in both taste and design, ensuring they’re as memorable as the celebrations they’re made for.

What I’m most proud of is how personal my work is. Every order represents someone’s special moment, and I get to be a small part of that. What sets me apart is the combination of my creativity, attention to detail, and the love I put into every piece. My goal is always to make something that not only tastes amazing but adds an extra layer of joy to someone’s event.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I think taking risks is essential for growth, both personally and professionally. For me, starting Sweets by Nicolina was a huge leap of faith. I transitioned from baking as a hobby to running a business, which meant investing in better equipment, learning new skills, and putting myself out there in a competitive industry. There was always the fear of failure—wondering if people would love my creations as much as I did or if I could meet the expectations of clients.

One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was saying “yes” to orders that pushed me outside my comfort zone, like intricate wedding cakes or large batches of custom cookies. These moments felt overwhelming at the time, but they taught me to trust my abilities and problem-solve under pressure.

To me, risk-taking is about being willing to bet on yourself, even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed. It’s not always easy, but it’s often where the biggest rewards come from. I’ve learned that stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to some of the most fulfilling experiences.

Pricing:

• 5 per speciality flavored cookie
• Starting at 5 a cookie for a royal icing cookie

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sweetsbynicolina.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetsbynicolina