Meet Nicki Bulkley of Black Magic Cakery

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicki Bulkley.

Nicki, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My story starts in 2007 as I was coerced into taking a cake decorating classes with my Mom and sister. We had to create our own cakes each class; Eventually, I was doing all three cake assignments for all of us! I realized how much I enjoyed decorating & baking that I started to look into going to Culinary school. I worked and went to school full time but my manic-depression and anxiety started to weigh down on me. So to take care of my health I decided to stop school. I am not ashamed of my mental health nor did I let that fault me for giving up my dreams. I continued to work in bakeries and taught myself.

In 2011 I met my husband and we had our son. I decided to stop working and stay home to take care of our son while Jose, my husband, worked 2-3 jobs at a time. After a year I fell into another deep depression so I started to bake just for fun. Baking helped me so much with my depression and anxiety, I felt at ease and happy. And in 2013 I decided to start up Black Magic Cakery. I was so scared to start my own business. I’ve never been a very confident person, even when people gave me praise I never thought I actually felt deserving. So I began my little home-based business in the small corner of my parent’s house that was filled with 9 other people, my family!

When I first started people would tell me “I think you should change your name because it’s too scary OR you’ll only be busy in October!” But I kept it going however because I wanted my business to represent who I am, not what I think others would accept. I wanted to have something I’m proud of & I can grow with!

the first 3 years it was very up and down, business wasn’t consistent so things were a bit tight and we struggling. There were months that I had no work and would fall into a huge depression and guilt because I wasn’t sure if I should keep on doing this. I didn’t want to bring my family down with me because I had this dream in my head. But with lots of help from my husband and family, I pushed through. When you have the drive and a full case of red bulls you can accomplish anything! haha. I work long nights and days, many times I wouldn’t sleep for 30+ hours because of juggling my business and family life. But I am happy to do so because I love what I do and it makes me so happy when people see my creations. I feel like what helped so much getting my business out to people was all the conventions and events I did.

Meeting people is such an important part of my business and making those connections with my old and new clients. I wouldn’t have a business without the support of those who stood by me and believed in my work. I love going on Instagram Live while I work so I can chat and just laugh with my followers, who some turn in to friends. Social Media has played such a huge part in my business and I don’t think I’d be doing this if it wasn’t for it. I hope to someday be on the Food Network, having a youtube channel or maybe have my own studio to work instead of a small corner of my kitchen! But until then I still do what I love and forever be thankful for so many people and all the opportunities that I’ve had.

The biggest thing I remind myself is that I stay true to myself, keep learning, and stay spooky!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The biggest challenge I face and will face forever will be my depression and anxiety. I’ve always been vocal about my struggles with my mental health and I’m not ashamed of it either. I have my highs and lows but I dont let that stop me from doing my orders and taking care of my family.

Of course, in the beginning of my business journey, people weren’t throwing money at me lol, there were times when I  didn’t have work for months and months so money was very tight. I would question my decision, my abilities, and my business constantly because I felt so guilty that my husband was working 2-3 jobs at a time because I decided to stay home and pursue this dream.

Things really didn’t pick up or be consistent with work until maybe 3 years after I started my business, and even then as any business owner small or big will know that we are on a very tight rope to keep business and work steady.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Black Magic Cakery – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I specialize in the custom cake, cookies, macarons, and spooky conchas! Although I’m very much known for my horror based designs I do all sorts of themes and designs! One of the items I am known for are my cookies, especially how I mix horror with every holiday I can. Some might say that “every day is Halloween” and that some is me!

I just love anything cute and creepy! I put everything into my work and I make sure that I am proud with what I create. I try to make sure I am not copying anyone and create things that are unique and special for my clients.

What I’m most proud of and I think that sets me apart is that even though people doubted my business name and my spooky vibes I never let that get to me and I feel like it hasn’t hurt my business in any way. And I’m proud that my business represents who I am and what I love.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I’m really hoping that I can start up my YouTube channel. I have it already set up with some videos but haven’t figured out that good balance between my work and YouTube. But that’s a big thing I want to focus on in the future.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.black-magic-cakery.com
• Email: blackmagiccakery@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/blackmagiccakery
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/blackmagiccakery

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