Candace Nelson is a renowned pastry chef and television personality celebrated for her innovative contributions to the baking industry. She began her professional journey in the finance sector as an investment banker before pivoting to her true passion for pastry making. After the dot-com bust, Nelson opened a custom cake business from her home in San Francisco, which laid the foundation for her future success in the culinary world.

In 2005, Nelson and her husband, Charles, launched Sprinkles Cupcakes, the world’s first cupcake bakery, in Beverly Hills, California. Despite initial skepticism about the cupcake trend, they sold an impressive 2,000 cupcakes in their first week. Nelson’s sophisticated approach to baking, utilizing high-quality ingredients and offering unique options like vegan and gluten-free cupcakes, quickly garnered a loyal customer base. Under her leadership, Sprinkles expanded to 38 locations nationwide and introduced the innovative Cupcake ATM, revolutionizing the way customers enjoy cupcakes.

Nelson’s television career further solidified her status as a culinary expert. As a judge on popular shows like Cupcake Wars and Sugar Rush, she showcased her expertise and passion for baking to a global audience. Additionally, she has appeared on various cooking shows and has been featured in prominent publications, enhancing her visibility and influence in the culinary community.

Beyond her bakery and television endeavors, Nelson co-founded Pizzana, a Neo-Neapolitan pizza restaurant chain, and authored The Sprinkles Baking Book and Sweet Success. Her contributions to the culinary arts continue to inspire aspiring chefs and bakers, making her a prominent figure in the industry.