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Meet Niki Liu of Niki’s Creamery

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Niki Liu.

Niki Liu

Niki, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey into the world of ice cream began when I started looking for something fun and fulfilling beyond my job in Software Development. After spending over a decade in the tech industry, I realized that I craved a new challenge—something that would allow me to express my creativity and bring joy to others in a more direct and personal way.

The Inspiration: I signed up for ice cream classes and quickly fell in love with the process. The classes taught me the intricacies of balancing flavors, achieving the perfect texture, and using the highest quality ingredients. Enthusiastic about my newfound passion, I started making and experimenting with flavors at home.

Discovering Sorbet: As I delved deeper into the world of ice cream, I found myself particularly drawn to making sorbet. The process of working with different fruits, flavors, and colors was incredibly rewarding. I loved the challenge of creating vibrant, refreshing sorbets that captured the essence of each fruit. From tart raspberry to sweet mango, each sorbet became a canvas for endless creativity, allowing me to experiment and perfect recipes.

Meeting Customer Needs: As the business grew, I noticed more customers looking for non-dairy options. This inspired me to expand the menu to include a variety of sorbets. These non-dairy delights not only cater to those with dietary restrictions but also appeal to anyone seeking a refreshing, fruity alternative to traditional ice cream. Our sorbets became known for their bold flavors and vibrant colors, providing a delicious and inclusive option for everyone.

The Heart: At the heart of our ice cream is a commitment to quality. We believe that great ice cream starts with the best ingredients. Whenever possible, we use organic fruits and source our produce from local farmers’ markets. This ensures that our products are not only delicious but also support local farmers and sustainable practices. By prioritizing high-quality ingredients, we create flavors that are fun and vibrant.

A New Chapter: In 2023, after much reflection and consideration, I made the difficult decision to temporarily close the operation. I realized that to truly fulfill my passion for creating exceptional desserts, I needed to further my culinary education. Therefore, I decided to return to culinary school to refine my skills, learn new techniques, and deepen my understanding of the art of ice cream making and pastry.

Although we are currently on hiatus, I am excited for the future. My time at culinary school will not only enrich my knowledge but also allow me to bring even more creativity and innovation when we reopen. I am dedicated to continuing our mission of providing high-quality, delicious ice cream and sorbets, and I cannot wait to share the results of my culinary journey with you.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting a business was not without its challenges during Covid. From finding the right market to building a loyal customer base, every step was a learning experience.

But with determination, hard work, and the unwavering support of my family and friends, we were able to establish a loyal customer base as well as new customers who wanted non-dairy ice cream.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Niki’s Creamery?
We are dedicated to crafting the finest sorbets using only the freshest and most flavorful ingredients.

Our commitment to creating exceptional non-dairy ice cream stems from our belief that everyone deserves to enjoy a sweet, refreshing treat, regardless of dietary preferences or restrictions.

How do you think about luck?
Good Luck:

1. Over time, we were fortunate to build a loyal customer base. This was partly due to word of mouth and positive reviews, which can often be attributed to good luck.

2. Along the way, we met great vendors who have inspired and helped me during challenging times.

Bad Luck:

1. My initial dissatisfaction with my job in software development might be considered bad luck, but it ultimately led me to pursue my passion for ice cream. Sometimes, what initially seems like bad luck can turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

2. Having to temporarily close the operation to attend culinary school might be seen as a setback. However, this pause allowed me to further my education and refine my skills, ultimately enhancing the quality of the products and services we offer.

3. Like any business, we have faced our share of challenges, from competition to operational hurdles. While these setbacks can be disheartening, they have also provided valuable learning experiences and opportunities for growth.

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