Meet Nolin Feller

We recently connected with Nolin Feller and have shared our conversation below.

Nolin, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I started out making treats in early 2022 after battling struggling with some mental health issues. It was suggested that I find an outlet, and I have always felt at home in the kitchen. Valentine’s Day was right around the corner, and a friend suggested I make chocolate covered strawberries. I decided to try them, and they were a hit. So much so that I eventually fell into the world of treat making and the rest is history! I now use treat making and baking as my therapy. It’s a great way to deal with my health issues while also making sweet treats that others enjoy so much. This business has given me great confidence, pride, and fulfillment that I never could have imagined.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

My small business is a home bakery/treat making operation that I started from scratch (literally) in early 2022. I do have the most amazing and supportive husband who helps me with the financials and record keeping, and my 3 boys who are my best taste testers. But as far as the actual treat making process, advertisement, promotion, and product delivery, that is all done by me. Bella’s Sugar Shop offers custom chocolate confections and gourmet baked goods, including cake pops, cakes, and other luxury desserts for all special occasions. I specialize in cake pops however, and that is what I enjoy doing most. Over the last 3 years, I have acquired significant skill and knowledge in this area. I believe that cake pops are a super fun and creative way to make any event a little sweeter. The name Bella’s Sugar Shop comes from my chihuahua, Bella. After having 3 sons, I desperately wanted a little girl. We compromised and decided to adopt a puppy instead. Recently, in early 2025, I have also launched an exciting new chapter in my business journey. Sugar Studio by Bella’s Sugar Shop offers knowledge, advice, and select business services to other home bakers and treat makers. I love to help others, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the advice and mentoring from a few special friends. I know the value of helping others succeed, and I look forward to seeing where this takes me.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Perseverance- it hasn’t always been easy and success never happens overnight. I have faced many challenges and overcome many obstacles on my business journey. But I have kept going, learned from my mistakes, and continued to do what I do best.
2. Attention to Detail- it is crucial to have an artistic eye and significant attention to detail when making treats. Though I never thought of myself as a very creative person in the past, I have enjoyed watching my creativity come to life over the last few years.
3. Excellent Customer Service- I have always been a kind and friendly person, and truly believe that great customer service is what brings the customers back to my shop. While I know my treats are delicious and amazing, I am also confident that the majority of my referrals and return customers are due in large part to the way I run my business and interact with my customers.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

I started to feel very overwhelmed and experienced significant burnout towards the end of 2024. So, I decided to take on fewer orders and give myself a generous rest period for about 2 months. During this break, I reflected on my desire to continue my business. It was during this time that Sugar Studio was born. At the same time, I realized just how much I enjoy custom orders and dealing with my clients. I have decided, at least for now, to do both. I have also been able to spend more time with my 3 boys and my husband which is absolutely priceless. My advice to those feeling overwhelmed is to take a break. Figure out what you love doing most, and focus on that. It’s ok to pause and take a step back to reflect. Don’t push yourself too hard. Find a mentor, a trusted friend in the industry who offers great advice and support.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Bellassugarshopvb.com
• Instagram: bellassugarshop
• Facebook: Bella’s Sugar Shop LLC and also Sugar Studio by Bella’s Sugar Shop