Meet Holly Setnikar | Pastry chef

We had the good fortune of connecting with Holly Setnikar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Holly, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was definitely being able to make my own schedule. I don’t have to work 9 to 5 I can base my schedule off of my daily activities and family .

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Although I am a Baker or Pastry chef , I very much consider myself an artist . What sets me apart from others in the line of work I do is, I never limit myself . There is nothing that I wouldn’t be willing to try at least once. I am determined to teach myself a variety of techniques whether it’s sculpting , sugar work , chocolate work , allergy based such as perfecting gluten free and vegan desserts. There is no limit to wanting to be great at what you do . I got to where I am today with my business by perseverance. I have not and will not let anything get in my way or stop me from doing what I love . It has not been an easy road , which is ok , of course there have been many obstacles such as , financially , mentally and physically dealing with the stress of running your own business but it is worth the hard work to know that , I did this , it’s mine and I’m proud of it . The biggest lesson I have learned is never give up ! You will have your good days and your bad , your busy days and your slow days … make the best of them all , you cannot have one without the other . I want the world to know that Hollys Creative Confections was built on love family and community all in mind !

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had a best friend visiting the area and I were to show them the best time … I would definitely recommend they dine out at NC Coast Grill & Bar in Duck NC. Amazing food , sunsets , cocktails and all around atmosphere. I would also recommend RedSky casual dining & cocktails which has recently been beautifully remodeled . For days out I would say the Corolla horse tours , lighthouse adventures and maybe a fishing trip out of Wanchese NC. Duck NC is a beautiful town with lots of shops and boardwalk along the soundside . Also on the other end of the island is Manteo which is up and coming , they tend to do a lot of vendor events , festivals and such , also located on the water and great for shopping and walking .

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The first group of people that I would love to give a shout out to is the community or Currituck county and Dare county NC . If the community did not support my small local business by purchasing and continually referring me to new customers I wouldn’t have been able to build my clientele. Wes Stepp also deserves a huge shoutout for helping push me in my endeavors of becoming a successful entrepreneur. Since he has stepped into my journey of being baker / owner of Hollys Creative Confections , he has shown me unconditional love faith and support. With the hospitality background and success he has of his own I have been able to pick up opportunities that otherwise may have never come my way .

Website: https://Outerbanksbaker.com

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