Rising Stars: Meet Nicci Russell of Breckenridge

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicci Russell.

Hi Nicci, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I have always had a love for baking, but I never thought I could turn my hobby into a career. I enjoyed making specialty cupcakes for different occasions for my friends and family— they always told me I should sell my product (but what family isn’t supportive like that). My grandmother taught me how to bake when I was younger. I loved learning new recipes and techniques in the kitchen with my grandmother. Our time together in the kitchen was always cherished. I attended school for science and was headed towards a different path, however, when I was ultimately denied admission into medical school I decided to quit my research job and move to Colorado.

I started my pastry business last October out of a rental house in Breckenridge on a whim. One day I asked myself, what would happen if I tried to sell my cupcakes? The first round of cupcakes was a trial run, just to see if my family was right, would people actually want to buy my product? It turns out, people actually enjoy my cupcakes very much so! That was the moment that I knew I could turn my hobby into something special. I could create a business that brought happiness. A business that stood for something memorable. I sell cupcakes and desserts that make you relish the good times and bring you back to that special feeling.

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?
Not at all! Starting a business by yourself is hard work—don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! I struggled a lot to find a commissary kitchen to call home base. I didn’t know where to start so I just called a bunch of different restaurants and kitchens hoping to get a lead.

One call led me to another, then a voicemail, and no return call. Eventually, I found an incredible entrepreneur, Andre Hampton, CEO, and owner of Black Diamond Gourmet Catering, he opened the doors for me. There are still so many things to learn about my business. From social media to pricing and regulations in the food industry, I’m constantly learning and growing as a businesswoman.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Baked in Breck is a custom pastry experience. I create original custom desserts for any celebration. My specialty is gourmet cupcakes, but I also create wedding cakes, cheesecake bites, cake pops, and more. If you can dream it, I can create it.

Every order is made to order and is made with local ingredients when possible. My flavors are unique and you aren’t likely to find them elsewhere. Some fan favorites include strawberry fruity pebbles, baked in (chocolate, condensed caramel, and brown butter), and salted caramel biscoff cookie.

So maybe we end by discussing what matters most to you and why?
Happiness. Life is too short to not be happy. It’s important to choose to be happy by filling your day with the things you love, especially your work!

Work takes up so much of our time so that is why I decided to start a business that not only makes me happy but others as well. There is nothing better than seeing the reaction of someone who sees or tastes their custom dessert for the first time. Let’s be honest, food makes us happy—dessert, even happier.

Contact Info:

• Website: bakedinbreck.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bakedin_breck/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/baked-in-breck-keystone
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@bakedinbreck