Candace Nelson: Celebrity Baker
Candace Nelson is a celebrity baker, entrepreneur and Sprinkles Cupcakes co founder who transformed the dessert industry and inspires audiences with lessons on innovation, branding and entrepreneurial growth.
Quick Facts:
- Highlights:
- Co founder of Sprinkles Cupcakes, the world’s first cupcake bakery
- Creator of an iconic brand that helped launch a global cupcake movement
- Television personality and judge on “Cupcake Wars” and “Sugar Rush”
- Entrepreneur, investor and advisor in emerging food and consumer brands
- Formats: Keynote speaker, celebrity baker, culinary entrepreneur
- Audiences: Entrepreneurs, corporate teams, culinary professionals, brand builders, retail innovators and conference audiences seeking lessons on creativity, customer experience and entrepreneurial success.
- Outcomes:
- Actionable insights on building category defining brands through innovation, storytelling and customer experience.
- Practical guidance on scaling a passion driven business while maintaining quality and authenticity.
- Inspiration to embrace risk, reinvention and creativity as catalysts for growth.
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- **Fee range: On Request
Talent Services
Keynote Topics:
A Conversation with Candace Nelson
Sweet Success-Turning Your Passion Into Profits
How do you take the leap and build a globally recognized brand? Candace Nelson’s success story is an inspiration to the next generation of leaders, intrapreneurs and entrepreneurs alike.
In this presentation, audiences will hear firsthand how Candace revolutionized the baking industry by creating Sprinkles Cupcakes, the world’s first cupcake bakery and Cupcake ATMs. She shares her entrepreneurial journey and key leadership lessons from her bestselling book, Sweet Success: A Simple Recipe to Turn Your Passion into Profits.
Candace offers inspiration and practical strategies for individuals and organizations looking to spark creativity, build resilience, cultivate innovation and build a brand that customers adore.
She also discusses the importance of embracing challenges, pushing past fear, the power of the pivot and thinking big to achieve one’s ultimate goals.
Candace Nelson’s message: trailblazers don’t just see a need — they innovate to find solutions and turn their vision into action.
Talent Short Bio
Candace Nelson is an iconic culinary innovator, celebrity baker and entrepreneur best known as the co founder of Sprinkles Cupcakes, the world’s first cupcake bakery and a brand that reshaped the global dessert landscape. After beginning her career in investment banking, Candace followed her passion for pastry, transitioning into the culinary world and ultimately pioneering a new category in modern baking. When Sprinkles opened its Beverly Hills doors in 2005, it ignited a nationwide cupcake phenomenon, drawing crowds and capturing consumer attention through premium ingredients, design driven branding and a memorable customer experience.
Candace’s leadership guided Sprinkles through rapid expansion across the United States, setting the benchmark for quality, creativity and consistency in a fiercely competitive market. Her ability to anticipate trends, build a crave worthy brand and scale a boutique concept into a household name reflects her strategic acumen and entrepreneurial courage.
A beloved television personality, Candace gained widespread recognition as a judge on “Cupcake Wars,” where her thoughtful feedback and engaging presence introduced millions to her passion for desserts and craftsmanship. Her role on “Sugar Rush” further elevated her influence in the baking world, showcasing her expertise while mentoring rising culinary talent.
Read Full Bio
Candace Nelson is a name synonymous with innovation, passion, and sweet indulgence in the culinary world. Renowned as the co-founder of Sprinkles Cupcakes, the world’s first cupcake bakery, Candace has revolutionized the dessert industry and created an iconic brand that has become a household name. Her journey from a finance professional to a celebrated pastry chef and entrepreneur is a testament to her dedication, creativity, and vision.
Beyond her entrepreneurial success, Candace is also a celebrated television personality, known for her role as a judge on popular shows like “Cupcake Wars” and “Sugar Rush.” Her charismatic presence and insightful critiques have made her a beloved figure in the culinary community and beyond. Candace’s influence extends far beyond the kitchen, as she inspires aspiring chefs, entrepreneurs, and food enthusiasts with her story of perseverance and innovation.
Today, Candace Nelson is a sought-after keynote speaker, sharing her journey and expertise with audiences around the world. Her engaging storytelling, combined with her deep knowledge of the culinary industry, makes her a compelling and inspirational speaker at conferences, corporate events, and culinary festivals.
View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter
Videos
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
No reviews available for this post.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses and other costs
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Deposits and securing a booking
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Additional tips and takeaways
- Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
- There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
- Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
- When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
- Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
- Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
- Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
You may be interested in...
- (80)
Josh Sundquist is a Paralympian, bestselling author, and Emmy-winning Apple TV+ storyteller whose videos have generated over one billion video views. He inspires audiences to live by his mantra 1MT1MT (One More Thing, One More Time). Your attendees will leave energized and equipped to: Foster forward-thinking amid market volatility Rebound from disappointment Do 1MT1MT to […]
- Travels from: Santa Monica, CA
- Motivational Speakers
- (19)
Rohit Talwar is a global futurist, award-winning and thought-provoking speaker, strategic advisor, author, entrepreneur, and the CEO of Fast Future. He delivers keynote speeches, executive education, consultancy, research, and future-focused leadership mentoring to clients internationally. He works with major corporations, governments, professional services, investors, associations, business schools, and NGOs to help them anticipate, prepare for […]
- Travels from: London, UK
- Futurists Speakers
- (21)
Se-ah-dom Edmo (Shoshone-Bannock, Nez Perce and Yakama) brings deep experience in community organizing for racial and social justice work across the nation. Prior to joining Seeding Justice, Se-ah-dom served as the Sovereignty Program Director at Western States Center where she was the coalition convener of Tribal History: Shared History (Senate Bill 13, 2017) in Oregon, which established and funded […]
- Travels from: Gresham, OR
- Native Americans
- (10)
As America’s Hottest Illusionist, Jason Bishop might read your mind one second and make a goldfish appear the next. His performance abilities have led him from LA to NYC and Mexico to Sweden, as well as every state and many countries in between. Bishop’s combination of modern music, fast-paced magic, sleight of hand, and audience […]
- Travels from: Harrisburg, PA
- Magicians
- (64)
Walter Bond is came from humble beginnings as a college reserve player to becoming an NBA starter and now a Hall of Fame motivational speaker, Bond’s journey epitomizes the essence of hard work, determination, and excellence. Throughout his career, Walter has mastered the formula for greatness, a formula he passionately shares with audiences around the […]
- Travels from: Boca Raton, FL
- Motivational Speakers
- (9)
Troy Hazard stands as a seasoned navigator, having weathered storms of both failure and triumph. With a track record spanning over two decades, he epitomizes resilience and entrepreneurial acumen, having founded and cultivated twelve ventures. From the brink of financial ruin to the pinnacles of success, Hazard’s journey embodies the essence of strategic risk-taking and […]
- Travels from: Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Leadership Speakers
- (45)
Ermira “Mira” Murati is an influential Albanian-born engineer, entrepreneur, and one of the most prominent voices in artificial intelligence (AI) today. With a track record of spearheading world-changing AI initiatives, Mira is committed to making advanced AI accessible, ethical, and understandable for the public. In early 2025, she founded Thinking Machines Lab, a public benefit […]
- Travels from: San Francisco, CA
- Artificial Intelligence
- (25)
- (1)
Cara Brookins is a dynamic and inspiring motivational speaker known for her remarkable story of resilience, determination, and the power of self-reliance. As an author, builder, and keynote speaker, Cara captivates audiences with her unique journey of building a house from scratch using YouTube tutorials while raising her four children. Her story has been featured […]
- Travels from: Little Rock, AR
- Motivational Speakers
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
