Meet Nisa Shepard-Carter | Cookie Extraordinaire

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nisa Shepard-Carter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nisa, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I wanted something of my own. Something that was mine. Something that I had complete creative control to advertise and build my brand as I saw fit. I wanted to build my brand according to my personality and what is important to me. It was always important for me to pursue my interests, and if possible, share that talent with the world.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Growing up, I always found myself searching for some type of creative outlet. I haven’t always been successful, but I have learned some of my strengths and weaknesses along the way. As a kid, I thought I wanted to be a sketch artist, pulling my inspiration from newspaper comics and Saturday morning cartoons. As a teenager I wanted to be a graphic designer, even though I didn’t have a clue what that actually meant! As I grew older, I found myself taking on hobbies according to my current situation. For example, around the time I got engaged I wanted to be a calligrapher.

I dabbled in a lot of different creative activities, but nothing really satisfied me enough to continue and master the craft. That is, until I wandered into the kitchen and made my first batch of sugar cookies. As this was the first time I had ever baked and decorated cookies on my own, I became excited at the thought of designing them how I wanted. Using the colors that I wanted. In all honesty, my designs were simple and my color scheme was that of traditional Christmas decor. But as I sat there and decorated, I felt a rush and couldn’t wait to share my creation with anyone that was willing to look.

This is when SugaRush was truly born. I planted the seed that evening and have continued to improve my craft and build my brand. And, while I am self taught, I have learned so much from all the amazing cookie artists out there. There is a community of artists that support one another and share their secrets to help others improve. It’s certainly a community I have always wanted to become a part of.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I have only lived in the Los Angeles area for the last six years, but I still feel like a tourist! This city is so amazing and full of culture that you can never just get enough. However, I am partial to Long Beach. One of my favorite brunch spots is The Attic. They have an amazing selection of entrees and custom drinks that I have never left unsatisfied. And since they serve brunch well into the afternoon, you can’t miss out!

After brunch I would recommend a stroll through the Long Beach Pike which is a cluster of outlets with something for everyone. There is also a ferris wheel and swan paddle boats you can rent. And right across the way is Shoreline Village with some fun shops and an arcade. You can even rent tandem bikes to ride along the shoreline.

Once you have worked up an appetite, I recommend taking a short drive to Redondo Beach along South Catalina Avenue. You will find a hip part of town with tons of amazing food options just behind the beach. This part of town is very friendly and perfect for hot summer nights with outdoor cafe seating, live bands, and plenty of bars.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family has been my biggest support system throughout my journey. They have always supported me in anything I wanted to do and this journey is no exception. Although my mother and sisters don’t live in my area, they still find time to visit and support me whenever I need. I love that we are so tight-knit and I can call on them for any and everything!

But on top of the greatest support system, my husband has also been my biggest fan and continues to push me to be the best I can be. From my official quality control specialist, to my manager, to my marketing consultant, he wears many hats to ensure I am successful in all my endeavors. I attribute a lot of my success to his dedication to my dream. I love you Bubby!

Website: www.SugaRushLA.com

Instagram: @SugaRush_LA

Image Credits
Photo with cookie booth taken by Nubia Rojas @nubbiiaaa All others are self portraits.