Bloom Bake Shop is a new local business that joined our downtown core at 10623A 100 Avenue as of December 2023, after nearly a year’s worth of hard work and renovations into the space prior to opening its doors. We are delighted to welcome Bloom Bake Shop as a flourishing addition to our business community and as the recipient of the 2024 Chamber of Commerce, New Business Award. This business has been chosen for the Westlock Business Spotlight Series in appreciation of their fresh and modernistic contribution to the neighborhood.
Bloom Bake Shop is a local dessert and coffee shop that offers a diverse assortment of baked goods and warm beverages. Also available by order are custom cakes and cupcakes to make your special event that much more memorable. Many select treats, croissant sandwiches, coffees, and lattes are made fresh daily, not to mention the unique ice cream flavors available for those warm sunny days.
In scouting out the perfect location, Nichol knew that her business belonged downtown and would not settle until she found the perfect space to bring her vision to life. After years of searching and patiently waiting for the right location to pop up, the ideal little boutique space on main street came onto the market. This location met all of her goals; large glass window frontage, central downtown, heavy foot traffic. Ironically, this lovely floral bake shop now actually resides in the same building that used to be to be a local flower shop. Nichol’s dream has always been to design a space that brings liveliness and a distinct boutique vibe to the community. She was inspired to bring this exquisite store front to life after recognizing a need for an elegant space with a feminine touch. With something as miniscule as lovely flowers on the tables, a small ice cream stand or an alluring cake display seen in the windows, she knows that all these small touches are what draws attention and visitors into her shop.
Baking extravagant, over-the-top cakes for her children’s birthdays has always been a creative outlet for Nichol. Not only did she get to design and craft the perfect Pinterest party for her kids out of an act of love for them, she often was asked to do the same for friends, family and even larger events like weddings. While baking cakes as a hobby for friends and family was keeping her creative side flowing, Nichol felt that it was her calling to provide a storefront to feed people as a way for her to take care of others. Once Nichol started to pitch the idea to family and friends, it was to her surprise that family members shared the story of her late grandmother who owned a successful restaurant in Aklavik, North West Territories. Knowing that this entrepreneurship in hospitality and cuisine runs in her family line gave her the confidence she needed to make the big leap and open Bloom Bake Shop.
The name Bloom Bake Shop was specially crafted by Nichol to not only have an appealing ring to it, but also to ensure sentimental elements were captured in the name. She knew pretty early on in the process that she wanted the space to feel fresh, floral and feminine, with a creative name reflective of that feeling. Nichol so gracefully described her inspiration, “I think it’s important to let your dreams bloom. Bloom where you are planted and make the best of your life where you are at.” The name is not only related to the blooming of flowers, but it is also symbolic of Nichol’s personal journey of growth, overcoming hardship, and how far she has come.
Although a small bake shop, Nichol has established an enjoyable and lighthearted workplace culture within her facility. Ensuring her staff feel supported, uplifted and are working somewhere they genuinely enjoy coming every day has been an intentional focus since the first day of business.
When asked about success markers in her business, Nichol replied, “If my employees are happy and my customers are happy, what else could you wish for!” Of course, to see financial growth on the business side of things would also be a substantial indicator, however, reviews and satisfaction are her most valuable signs of success.
In being part of the downtown business community, it is important to Nichol that her business functions with mutual support for all other organizations in the area. What Bloom Bake Shop offers is unique to the brand she has created, allowing for equal opportunity in the market. If she doesn’t offer a specific product a customer is looking for, she is sure to recommend another local business that does. As Nichol so elegantly put it, “the businesses that are doing something similar to me are doing a really good job at what they do! We are doing something a little bit different, and we are doing well at what we do! There is room for all of us and there is enough love to go around. Women supporting women is important.”
Bloom Bake Shop has become a true business of heart and soul. A fair amount of thought is put into the process of diligently searching for her products. Nichol has sourced her coffee to ensure that it is organic, freshly roasted, and from a company of fair trade. Any products that she can find locally to support small businesses and local farmers is her first supplier when stocking up.
As for future plans, Nichol would like to expand her lunch menu with more pastry-based items like meat and pot pies. She also anticipates some innovative ideas to attract clientele to her business such as special events for Mother’s Day, Valentines Day, ladies’ wine & charcuterie night, and even providing a space for private event rentals, such as birthday parties, engagement parties and so on. As she described her long-term vision, her eyes lit up with the endless possibilities as to what she foresees for the future of Bloom Bake Shop.
Please join us in welcoming and celebrating Nichol Clement in her new business venture by visiting Bloom Bake Shop for a warm beverage and a sweet treat!
