Story & Lesson Highlights with Nicole Silva of Locust Grove, GA

We recently had the chance to connect with Nicole Silva and have shared our conversation below.

Nicole, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: When have you felt most loved—and did you believe you deserved it?
About six months ago, we experienced a devastating house fire that destroyed nearly everything we owned. What wasn’t burned was so badly damaged by smoke and water that it was a total loss. As small business owners, we didn’t know what this would mean for our bakery. We had to cancel orders and, for a while, put the business on the backburner just to focus on basic survival.

We were living in a hotel, scattered across several rooms, trying to rebuild our lives from scratch. We’re a very close family, so being separated like that was especially hard. The most difficult part was figuring out how to keep moving forward when it felt like everything had fallen apart. When your business is family-owned and operated, what do you do when the family is in crisis?

We genuinely didn’t know how we would make it through. But then something incredible happened—our community stepped in. People came to the bakery in droves. They supported us, encouraged us, and showed up for us in ways we never expected. It was overwhelming, humbling, and deeply moving.

I don’t think we’ve ever felt so loved. It was far more than we ever believed we deserved—but we are endlessly grateful.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! My name is Nicole, and I’m the owner of Crumbles by Nicole, a small boutique bakery where sweets meet creativity. I’m a baker and food artist, and I run the business with the love and support of my amazing family.

At Crumbles, we specialize in custom desserts and party treats that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Whether it’s intricately decorated cookies, cupcakes, or show-stopping cakes, everything we make is crafted with care and creativity.

This year, we also introduced sourdough breads to our menu—and they’ve taken off in a way we never expected! It’s been so exciting to expand our offerings while staying true to the heart of what we do: making food that brings people joy.

We may be small, but our passion for baking and connection runs deep. Crumbles by Nicole is more than just a bakery—it’s a family dream in motion, and we’re so grateful to share it with our community.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
It’s funny how often our family sees us the way we should see ourselves. For me, it’s definitely my family. The way my husband and kids speak about me and to me—their words, their belief in who I am—makes me feel truly seen.

They see me as the smartest, kindest, most thoughtful, and beautiful person in the room. And when I’m with them, I actually start to believe it. Their love reflects back a version of myself that I sometimes forget to see on my own—and I’m so grateful for that.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
My greatest fear has always been failing. That fear has definitely held me back at times—from trying new things, stepping outside my comfort zone, or going after opportunities I wasn’t sure I could handle.

I think deep down, I worried that if I couldn’t do something perfectly, maybe I shouldn’t do it at all. It’s something I still work on, but I’ve learned that growth comes from taking risks, even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
One belief I’m deeply committed to is that you can’t truly care for others if you aren’t caring for yourself first. It’s like they say on airplanes—put your own oxygen mask on before helping others. That advice doesn’t just apply in emergencies; it applies to life in general.

For a long time, I was constantly pouring into others without taking time to pour into myself. I thought I was doing the right thing, but in reality, no one was getting the best version of me.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that I can’t keep putting myself on the backburner. A well-rested, well-cared-for version of me is far more present, helpful, and loving to the people around me. That’s something I’ll keep working on, no matter how long it takes.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
I hope they would miss the conversations, the hugs, and the genuine relationships we’ve built over the years. Our bakery has never just been about sweets—it’s been about connection.

Over time, customers became friends, and friends became family. I think that sense of community, that feeling of being known and cared for, is what people would miss the most. And honestly, I’d miss it too.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://crumblesbynicole.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/crumblesbynicole
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/crumblesbynicole

Image Credits
i took all the photos