Nyla Cathcart, a fourth-year psychology major at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, is a testament to the power of resilience and entrepreneurship. Transferring to FAMU from a community college in Pasadena, California, in fall 2022, Cathcart sought to immerse herself in an environment of Black excellence and deepen her understanding of her culture. This move marked a significant chapter in her academic and personal journey, blending her passion for psychology with her entrepreneurial spirit.
Her decision to come to FAMU was driven by a desire to be part of a vibrant Black community and to further her education in an institution renowned for its commitment to cultural and academic excellence. This transition, while challenging, provided Cathcart with a unique perspective and enriched her educational experience.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought unexpected challenges and opportunities for Cathcart. With the pandemic affecting reliable income sources, Cathcart channeled her love for baking into entrepreneurship, establishing SweetNCrumbles in September 2020. What began as a home-bakery business specializing in cheesecake-based desserts soon expanded to include a variety of treats such as banana pudding, cupcakes, cookies, and other custom desserts.
Cathcart’s venture quickly gained traction, earning her a loyal customer base across Los Angeles County. More recently, her business has expanded to Tallahassee, where she continues to garner local community support. With over 1.1k followers on Instagram, SweetNCrumbles averages 10-20 monthly customers, catering to diverse needs from late-night cravings to birthday party dessert tables.
Cathcart’s menu features an array of delectable treats, but her favorite is the caramel-apple cheesecake dessert cup. She loves the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness and the fun involved in assembling them. Among her Southern California customers, the cheesecake fruit salad is a popular choice, praised as a “healthier” dessert option. In North Florida, her banana pudding has become a hit, with customers returning time and again for this classic treat.
Amon Brown, a student at FAMU, highlighted Cathcart’s dedication and determination. “Nyla not only effortlessly dictates her time for cooking but also keeps up with her studies about school,” Amon said. “Ever since I’ve come out here, I haven’t had anything to satisfy my sweet tooth until I found out about SweetNCrumbles last April. Now, it’s the only sweets I eat, and everything I’ve ordered up until this point has been amazing, from the banana pudding cups to the cheesecake cones and stuffed strawberries. Everything I try has me rushing back for something new every time,” Amon added.
CJ Thomas is another devoted customer.
“Nyla’s desserts are not just delicious; they reflect her creativity and passion. Her ability to balance her studies and business is awe-inspiring. SweetNCrumbles has become a go-to for many of us here in Tallahassee. I order from SweetNCrumbles at least 3-4 times a month or about once a week. I enjoy them a lot because you get a lot for such a low cost. I enjoy them a lot and would order more than that, but I don’t want to overdo it on the -sweets,” Thomas said.
Cathcart’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and community. Her journey from Pasadena to Tallahassee and from student to entrepreneur embodies the spirit of Black excellence she sought to embrace. As she prepares to celebrate the fourth anniversary of SweetNCrumbles, Cathcart continues to inspire those around her with her dedication to her academic pursuits and flourishing business. With each delectable treat, she satisfies sweet cravings and leaves a lasting impact on her community.