How to Turn Down Invites (But Keep Business Relationships)
Entrepreneurs get a LOT of invites, especially to charitable events. But you have a business to run. How do you turn down an invitation without losing face?
Read More No CommentsNina Rodecker CEO/Founder, Tasty Clouds Cotton Candy Company
Nina Rodecker pioneered gourmet cotton candy and catering services when she founded Tasty Clouds Cotton Candy Company in 2008, inspired by “LIHI” (lee-HEE)—a Filipino term for pregnancy craving. Rodecker’s signature light, fluffy, melt-in-your mouth cotton candy became an instant hit and Tasty Clouds exploded, leading her to the #1 spot in Startup Nation’s 2010 Leading Moms in Business Competition and #1 overall in the 2009 Top Home Based Business Competition.
Tasty Clouds Cotton Candy Company originally launched to fill an un-met need for the traditional cotton candy that adults and kids alike have grown to love, but what started out as a catering company for birthdays and fundraisers quickly became so much more. The company’s gourmet flavors and uniquely elegant servicing style created a new niche market in the cotton candy services industry and turned it into a must-have addition at star-studded galas, media events, corporate parties and more.
As Tasty Clouds has grown, so has its products and service options, which now include organic flavors, pre-packaged cot- ton candy, snow cones, caramel apples, Sweet Sticks (candy kabobs), Sweet Heaven Clouds (marshmallows) and options for machine rentals, pick up, delivery, and nationwide shipping.
Tasty Clouds has been featured on WETv’s “My Fair Wedding with David Tutera,” The Price Is Right, America’s Got Talent, Discovery Channel’s “Penn & Teller Tell A Lie,” Tory Johnson’s Good Morning America on ABC News, Fox 11 News, KCAL 9 News and Kababayan LA, as well as in Everyday with Rachael Ray Magazine (August Issue), Health Magazine (July/August 2011 Issue), NiteGuide Magazine, The Knot Magazine, Brides, and 805 Living—to name a few.
Today, Tasty Clouds holds the spotlight at everything from Hollywood galas and weddings to charity events and corporate parties. The forward-thinking company is a must-have caterer at any event. It takes pride in it’s “preparation to presentation” attitude, making sure every detail is done right, from its made-from-scratch flavors to its employee training.
Rodecker and her team have built a brand that is known throughout the nation for its high-quality products, superior service and professional demeanor. Rodecker remains thankful for her success, and in her free time she works to help other entrepreneurs succeed.
In July of 2011, Rodecker was selected among the America’s 100 Top Young CEOs to launch Our Time’s Buy Young Initiative - A day-long event at roundtable discussion and panels hosted by U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Capitol Hill and The White House to promote young entrepreneurship. She is a member of the Young Entrepreneur Council, - an invite only nonprofit organization comprised of the country's most promising young entrepreneurs.
She grew up in Manila, Philippines, where she attended college and graduated Bachelor of Science Major in Physical Therapy. In 2000, she moved to Los Angeles, where she now lives with her husband, son, two pugs and an endless supply of freshly spun cotton candy.
Recent Articles Subscribe
How Can I Get Involved?
SPONSOR A YEC PROGRAM
Join our fight to end the epidemic of youth unemployment and underemployment. TOGETHER we can change the lives of countless young people.
BECOME OUR PARTNER
We’re on a mission to work with organizations that are passionate about entrepreneurship, because the best way to build a better startup ecosystem is to work with passionate people. Let’s support entrepreneurship. Together.
JOIN OUR INSIDERS COMMUNITY
From live video chats with successful entrepreneurs, to eBooks and eMagazines, to an immense library of How-To articles, to mentorship matching programs, our goal is to provide the best mentorship and educational opportunities for entrepreneurs in the world.