Detroit Mom’s Local Love series highlights local women and the businesses they have built. We love supporting small businesses! Today’s Local Love Spotlight belongs to Nancy Goliver, owner of Toots Sweets.
To start, we asked Nancy to share a few fun facts about herself with us!
- She has a husband and two beautiful children.
- Fall is her season–she lives for a nice cool breeze and sweatshirt weather.
- Whether through laughter or yummy treats, she loves bringing a smile to people’s faces!
We asked her to share a little bit more about her business with us, too. Get to know Nancy and her business, Toots Sweets, below!
How did you come up with the idea of your business, and how did you start?
“My corporate career was focused on creating digital experiences for large brands. Being creative through the eyes of others can be draining; I needed something for me. I’ve loved baking since childhood. When I discovered the world of cookie decorating it was a perfect hands-on hobby to keep my creativity alive!
“Once I began decorating cookies for friends and co-workers, I was encouraged to start selling my creations. I resisted for quite some time. In March of 2020, my corporate job hosted a female vendor event for International Women’s Day and I was asked to join. I had never sold a cookie before. I was excruciatingly slow at decorating and wasn’t sure how to pull this all off in less than two weeks. I didn’t even have a business name!
“I jumped right in, created a brand, baked and decorated cookies, and set up a booth. My cookies were completely gone within hours. I was feeling on top of the world. That summer, a dear friend asked me to bake for her daughter’s first birthday. Word spread quickly and Toots Sweets has been making the world sweeter ever since.”
Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently when you were first starting out?
“By saying “No”, you protect your “Yes”. I can’t please everyone and I don’t need to. Baking and decorating is a manual process for me. Learning boundaries was challenging and I wish I was comfortable [with] saying no much earlier in my journey.”
What is the best business advice you’ve ever been given?
“Do the dang thing! Everything is scary the first time you try it. We learn through experience and it’s how we become comfortable and confident. You don’t have to wait until it’s perfect, just start!”
Have you faced adversity in business due to being a woman? How did you navigate that?
“I like to turn doubt into determination. I wouldn’t say it’s because I’m a woman, but the comments I hear about “making this cookie thing work” only motivate me to push harder. I was able to leave my corporate job and am grateful my business has continued to grow.”
How do you persevere in challenging times?
“Rest and reflection are built into my process. Creativity doesn’t come from burn out. I have learned that the calm contributes just as much to my business as the hustle when you use it strategically.”
What impact do you want your business to have?
“I hope that my creations bring joy to every celebration I am fortunate to bake for.”
What are the pros and cons of being a woman business owner in 2024?
“I own my time, I determine my schedule, I live the way that is fulfilling to me. It’s difficult to say “no”, it’s difficult to hear “no”, but I have to protect my boundaries.”
What knowledge would you share with someone who wants to become an entrepreneur?
“It’s not easy, but it’s so worth it!”
What do you do for personal and professional development?
“I have a network of bakers both here in Michigan and across the globe that constantly support and encourage one another. When I’m in the kitchen I’m always listening to books, music, and podcasts. Sometimes for pure enjoyment, sometimes for creative inspiration, and sometimes for personal/business growth.”
What mantra or quote do you live by?
“Be 1% better than the day before.”
What’s your favorite place in Detroit or Michigan?
“Lake Michigan is my escape, my happy place.”
Where can our readers find you on social media?
You can follow Toots Sweets on Facebook, Instagram, and on their website!
