Check Out Brooke ODell’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brooke ODell. They and their team shared their story with us below:

Sugar Drop is a locally owned sweet supply shop that has been serving the Nashville area for over 50 years.

In early 2017, Sugar Drop was purchased by Brooke O’Dell, an award-winning cake artist whose client list includes Ringo Starr, Willie Nelson, and Graceland to name a few. Her work has been seen on television and in print throughout local publications including The Nashville Scene and Rolling Stone Magazine. Brooke uses buttercream and whimsy as the tool of her decadent trade-creating edible works of art. As the owner of Sugar Drop, Brooke combined her eye for design and her love affair with sweets to reestablish Sugar Drop as Nashville’s premier one-stop specialty sweet shop. We invite you to step into our wonderland to not only be inspired but to ultimately feel like a kid in a candy store!

In November 2020, Sugar Drop relocated to their brand-new, dessert designer boutique. Guests can now sit in the cafe and enjoy scratch-made breakfast and desserts as well as locally sourced coffee or hand-scooped ice cream while taking in the candy chandeliers, glitter floors, and over 2400 square feet full of eye candy. From buttercream and candles to confetti balloons to the sprinkle bar, we welcome you to come and experience a real sugar high!

From private events, both in-person and virtually, to classes and summer camps, students of all ages and skill levels can learn a wide variety of sugar techniques taught in the designer’s private room. The calendar and class information can be found online.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Smooth…..lol….no! Being a female business owner of a company geared towards sprinkles, rainbows, and children tends to be not taken as seriously. I have built out two locations of our physical space in the past two years and have never known what it was like to be discriminated against as a female until that process.

Trying to keep a business going during COVID also brought an enormous amount of challenges, but also allowed me as a creative to think outside the biggest box possible and try any and every crazy idea I wanted….and they worked!

Relocating a shop is also tricky. Buying an existing brand and making it your own is a challenge. There are a ton of challenges. But, I believe in my brand and believe that this business is what I was put on earth to create so going to work feels a lot less like work most days since I do have the sweetest job!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a self-taught baker. I left the corporate world when I was expecting my oldest. I picked up a book and decided that I was going to learn how to make cakes in order to create a living, so here I am. I never dreamed this is what my path would look like but I have had amazing support along the way but clients and customers. My previous life as a baker was based out of my home with fondant-covered, hand-carved sculpted work.

My designs today reflect what is more manageable on a larger scale, but I make sure that our designs are in keeping with our brand. All things should reflect a heavy dose of whimsy, a lot of colors, and an edible experience unlike any other. Our case is filled with family recipes that are non-fussy but full of fun!

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Business owning is not for the faint of heart. And, you need an army of supporters to help carry you through personally and professionally. You must be who you are, don’t try to copy anyone else. The world is full of non-creatives, and we need all of them.

But, as a creative, don’t be afraid to stand out and go a little against the grain. Try not to get caught up in the world of comparisons because not everything can be masked with an Instagram filter. Business owning is hard stuff. But, who you are at your core and who your people are that love you will make all of the difference in your mindset.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sugardrop.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugardroptn
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sugardroptn
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sugar-drop-franklin-2 

Image Credits
https://amyteagueportraits.com