May 8, 1974
Taurus
Indonesia
51 years old
N/A
N/A
Chef
Candace Nelson: Innovator in the World of Sweets
🧁 Personal Information
Full Name: Candace Nelson
Date of Birth: May 8, 1974
Age: 51 years old
Place of Birth: Jakarta, Indonesia
Nationality: American
Education: Wesleyan University (B.A.), Tante Marie’s Professional Pastry Program (San Francisco)
Family: Married to Charles Nelson; mother of two sons
Residences: Los Angeles, California; Sun Valley, Idaho
Social Media: Instagram
👩🍳 Career and Achievements
Candace Nelson is a renowned pastry chef and entrepreneur best known for founding Sprinkles Cupcakes, the world’s first cupcake bakery, in 2005 alongside her husband, Charles. Their Beverly Hills shop revolutionized the dessert industry with its gourmet approach to the classic cupcake, using high-quality ingredients like Madagascar Bourbon vanilla and Callebaut chocolate. Sprinkles quickly gained popularity, attracting celebrity clientele and media attention. In 2012, Nelson introduced the Cupcake ATM, a groundbreaking concept that allowed customers to purchase cupcakes 24/7. This innovation further solidified Sprinkles' status as a trendsetter in the bakery world .
Beyond Sprinkles, Nelson co-founded Pizzana, a Neo-Neapolitan pizzeria chain, and serves as a guest investor on ABC’s Shark Tank. She is also a judge on Netflix’s Sugar Rush and the creator of Best in Dough, a Hulu pizza competition show .
📚 Authorship and Public Speaking
Nelson is the author of two books:
The Sprinkles Baking Book
Sweet Success: A Simple Recipe to Turn Your Passion into Profit
Her writings offer insights into entrepreneurship and the art of baking. As a sought-after speaker, she shares her journey from investment banking to baking, inspiring audiences with her story of reinvention and success .
🎬 Media Appearances
Nelson has appeared on numerous television programs, including:
Cupcake Wars
Sugar Rush
The Best Thing I Ever Ate
The Chef Show
Bobby Flay’s Throwdown
Her expertise and charismatic presence have made her a beloved figure in the culinary entertainment industry .
🌱 Personal Life and Values
Raised in Indonesia, Nelson's passion for baking was influenced by her French-American grandmother, who was known for her desserts at a San Francisco restaurant in the 1930s . She emphasizes the importance of determination, customer care, and embracing what makes one unique. Her journey reflects a commitment to quality, innovation, and a deep love for the culinary arts.
Candace Nelson's journey from a career in investment banking to becoming a leading figure in the culinary world exemplifies the power of passion and perseverance. Through her innovative concepts and dedication to excellence, she has left an indelible mark on the dessert industry.
