Nickie Davis - Brown Sugar Baking

Brown Sugar Baking Company

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by Nickie Davis

Traditional flavors tug at my heartstrings. They’re my link to those who walked before me.

Her sweetness is as infectious as her smile, and her cookies aren’t too bad either.

Nickie Davis’s life has consisted of dreams, resilience, and creativity. Currently residing in Huntsville, AL, Nickie was born in Arizona but raised by a single mom in Georgia. From an early age, she has harbored an insatiable passion for learning. Her determination to rise above her circumstances, setbacks, and obstacles helped her escape the small-town box. She wanted more, and that drive still exists with her today.

At 28, Nickie owns Brown Sugar Baking, a cottage law-licensed home bakery nestled in Harvest, AL. Her company offers a delightful spectrum of scratch-made delicacies, including various cookies— from drop cookies to custom-decorated masterpieces like cinnamon rolls, cakes, brownies, and blondies. “Traditional flavors tug at my heartstrings. They’re my link to those who walked before me,” she says. Take her pound cakes, for example. The recipe is a hushed family secret passed down from her great-grandmother. Then there’s her chocolate chip cookies, jazzed up with a hint of cinnamon and packed with hand-pressed chocolate chips. Nickie says she finds her greatest joy when combining popular flavors with unlikely sweets. A current customer favorite is her Strawberry Lemonade Cinnamon Roll. It’s a flakey strawberry dough with crushed lemon Oreos, harmonized by a drizzle of lemon glaze.

Nickie and Brown Sugar Baking are often spotted at vending events and community markets. Not in the Harvest area, no problem. Her online ordering option is here to help; however, due to local laws, some restrictions may apply. Additionally, she teaches cookie decorating classes and shares her love for the art with others. “I find joy in guiding others as they unleash their creativity on delectable canvases to create edible masterpieces,” Nickie says.

Without question, Nickie knows a lot about baking; still, she says it’s not just about the treats; it’s about crafting experiences that transport you to moments of indulgence and delight. Growing up, she always baked treats for her friends, earning her the affectionate nickname ‘Nickie Crocker’. She quickly became the go-to person for bake sales in high school. Nickie’s love for baking would continue to follow her throughout life.

She officially started Brown Sugar Baking in February 2022, but the roots of her business venture stretch back through the generations of Nickie’s family’s baking legacy. She shares, “Baking has been in my blood for as long as I can remember. My grandmother’s locally famous cakes captivated my imagination as a child. I was fortunate to learn from her, and she passed down the knowledge acquired from her mother as we spent numerous hours in the kitchen. The seeds of my baking journey were sown by my mother, who had a passion for baking that she had yet to fully pursue. Her encouragement and the rich heritage of family recipes fueled my desire to create and share culinary delights.”

Having been taught by the best, the challenge of creating a business from it all would be her next challenge. Nickie says that during the COVID-19 pandemic, like many others, she found herself limited by what she could do. While giving birth to two children, she also spent a lot of time baking. During her second pregnancy, she developed an intense craving for blueberry muffins. After recovering from a traumatic cesarean, she decided to make her own scratch-made version of them. This pursuit quickly evolved into a two-week-long fascination with various muffin recipes. She shared her creations with friends, family, and her husband’s coworkers, and they welcomed them with open arms and eager taste buds. As the world slowly reopened, encouragement from those who tasted her creations nudged her towards a new path. With a limited menu and even fewer orders, Brown Sugar Baking came to life.

Choosing a name for a new business can be difficult. As for Nickie, she says it was important for her to represent not just the products she offers but also the essence of the experience. “I wanted the name to honor my black heritage while echoing my personality. So, I decided on Brown Sugar Baking. Brown Sugar Baking encompasses both who I am and what I aspire to convey through my baked creations. It’s a name that resonates with the sweetness, warmth, and hospitality. When you indulge in Brown Sugar Baking, you savor a slice of my journey, heritage, and commitment to bringing sweetness to life.”

Art and creativity have always been a part of Nickie’s life. She began as a percussionist in the sixth grade, jumping into theater and marching band soon after. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Auburn University. In 2023, she was nominated for the Queenpreneur’s Plan Dare2Dream Award in the Culinary Arts category, a recognition of her innovation in the kitchen, work as a black female entrepreneur, and involvement in her community.

When asked what she loves most about what she does, Nickie’s response aligns with her love for serving others. “Brown Sugar Baking isn’t just about culinary artistry—it’s a celebration of community and connection and a heartfelt invitation to savor the flavor of life’s sweetest moments. I don’t create these delights solely for financial gain; it’s a genuine love language wrapped in care that encapsulates my spirit, values, and dedication to crafting joy-filled experiences through the art of baking,” she says.

Nickie shares she draws inspiration from the constant learning that takes place while running her business and the connections she is able to make with her clients. “Witnessing the smiles, hearing stories, and sharing moments with people who enjoy my creations brings an immeasurable sense of fulfillment and a constant reminder that I’m walking in my purpose,” she shared. Additionally, Nickie is inspired by her family and the opportunity she has to encourage others to chase their dreams, take leaps of faith, and believe in themselves.

While most business owners face various challenges, Nickie has produced positives from those she’s encountered. “Dealing with ADHD, depression, and anxiety has been a rollercoaster. To keep my energy and spirits up, I take regular baking breaks, connect with my family, and enjoy the small moments that recharge me. I’ve also taken proactive steps like therapy and medication, which have allowed me to thrive. Honestly, having a neurodivergent brain is my superpower. It allows me to harness my curiosity and channel it creatively into the culinary realm,” she says. Nickie is also a stay-at-home mom to two rambunctious boys just over a year apart, one of whom has autism. This experience, she says, is a dynamic that requires her to wear many hats.

Brown Sugar Baking has brought Nickie many joys, and she shares the only thing she would change about her journey is to start sooner than she did. “At the beginning, I was sure my path led to becoming a veterinarian; it was a dream I had since childhood. To me, any deviation from that goal was a form of failure, so I didn’t allow myself the opportunity to explore other avenues. I want others to know that shifting your focus and deviating from the plan isn’t a sign of failure. It signifies evolving, maturing, and discovering what truly matters to you. Also, don’t wait for the perfect moment—just start. Your journey will unfold in its unique way. Perfection isn’t a prerequisite for starting something meaningful.”

What does the future look like for Nickie and Brown Sugar Baking? She shares she is embarking on a slight pivot with the business, fine-tuning her ideas to determine the best direction. “Slowly but surely, I’m wading into the world of catering and crafting delightful party treats. My clients have expressed interest for a while, and I’m preparing to take the plunge.” Additionally, online classes are also on the horizon. “With each step, my goal is to keep embracing change and innovation, all while staying true to the heart and soul of Brown Sugar Baking,” Nickie said.

To learn more about Brown Sugar Baking, please visit their website.

www.brownsugarbakinghsv.com