Meet Nikiah Mccullen

We recently connected with Nikiah Mccullen and have shared our conversation below.

Nikiah , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

How I’ve Learned to Be Successful When I’m the Only One in the Room That Looks Like Me

I’ve learned to be successful by adapting to the settings around me. Growing up, I had to navigate a world where I often felt different from others and faced struggles that many people don’t understand. Being biracial is a big part of my identity. It has always been challenging to fit in and find where I truly belong because of my appearance.

When I was younger, I was constantly torn between my two identities, trying to find the right friend group and people who understood me. As I got older, I still found myself in the wrong crowds at times, but I also started exploring more about who I really am.

Establishing a business that has become so popular is one of my greatest accomplishments. Doing this at such a young age makes me incredibly proud. My ambition to build something in my name and run things my way is what kept me going. It hasn’t been easy. Sometimes I feel like things would have been much smoother if I looked different or had access to different groups of people.

Despite those challenges, I’m thankful for the people I know and the connections they’ve helped me make. Without those relationships, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My business, kandiedbykiah, started as a passion for creating delicious, beautifully crafted candied fruits, and it has grown into something truly special. I take pride in offering unique, high-quality treats that bring a little sweetness and joy to people’s lives. From classic candied grapes to innovative, flavor-packed creations, I’ve worked hard to make my business stand out. The overwhelming support from my community has motivated me to keep pushing forward and elevate my brand even further.

As I expand, I’m excited to venture into other popular and trending foods. From customized desserts to seasonal specialties, I want to create an experience that goes beyond candied fruits. My ultimate goal is to open a physical store—a place where people can come not only for sweet treats but also to enjoy a welcoming, creative environment. This store will be more than just a business; it will be a space where my creativity can shine, and my customers can always find something fresh and exciting. I’m committed to turning this dream into a reality and making kandiedbykiah a household name.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been adaptability, resilience, and networking.

Adaptability has been essential because I’ve had to navigate unfamiliar spaces and adjust to new challenges constantly. Growing up biracial taught me how to adapt to different environments, which translated directly into running a business. My advice is to embrace change and stay open to learning. Things won’t always go as planned, but if you can pivot and adjust, you’ll find new opportunities where others might see obstacles.

Resilience has kept me going when things got tough. Building a business at a young age wasn’t easy, and there were moments when I felt discouraged. The key is to remind yourself of your “why” and focus on the bigger picture. For those early in their journey, work on building a mindset that views setbacks as lessons and fuel to keep going. Surround yourself with people who support and inspire you, and don’t let self-doubt hold you back.

Networking has been a game changer. A lot of my opportunities came from the relationships I built and the connections those people had. For those just starting out, put yourself out there and talk about your goals. Attend events, engage with your community, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice or help. Genuine relationships can open doors you never imagined.

Ultimately, success is a mix of mindset, strategy, and effort. Focus on developing these areas, and your journey will be smoother and more rewarding.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

The number one obstacle I’m currently facing is scaling my business while maintaining the quality and personal touch that my customers have come to love. As kandiedbykiah grows, there’s more demand for my products, but with that comes the challenge of managing time, resources, and production without sacrificing what makes my brand unique.

To overcome this, I’m focusing on building a solid foundation for growth. I’ve started researching efficient production methods, exploring partnerships with reliable suppliers, and considering bringing on a small team to help with operations. I’m also prioritizing customer feedback to ensure that I stay connected to what my audience loves most about my products. Balancing growth and quality is a challenge, but with careful planning and a commitment to my vision, I’m confident I can navigate this stage successfully.

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