Campus News
June 3rd, 2025
Sweet Nothings illustrates Power Of Possibilities
Cottage bakery's detailed plan for tasty future featured at POP
Sweet Nothings, a start-up keto bakery, was featured at the recent Power of Possibilities Conference. Pictured, left to right, are Garrett College Coordinator of Professional Education Dr. Kim Govi, Ella and Tara Fike, and Garrett College Director of Community & Professional Education Kaitlyn Glotfelty.
Sweet Nothings used detailed planning and strategic partnerships to map out a tasty future for the start-up keto bakery. That story – and an interesting post-launch pivot – were featured at the May 23rd Power of Possibilities entrepreneurial conference co-sponsored by host Garrett College and the Garrett County Department of Business Development.
"Our vision is to be the local, go-to source for delicious and healthy baked goods that support the low-carb, keto dietary regimen," said owner/operator Tara Fike, who partnered with daughter/business manager Ella Fike to launch Sweet Nothings last fall out of their Bruceton Mills, WV home.
The Fikes undertook a detailed, pre-launch industry analysis that indicated the keto industry is poised for mainstream growth as people seek out low-carb lifestyle choices. That led to development of a business plan that included managing, marketing, and operational plans for the start-up.
The three-year operational plan projected both total sales and net income quadrupling from Year 1 to Year 3 – and that was before "the pivot". That took place after mother and daughter registered for the Garrett College Entrepreneurship Course that provided information and connections, and expanded the Fikes' strategic direction.
As part of the entrepreneurship course, Garrett County Business Development Specialist Connor Norman connected the Fikes and other prospective business entities with the owner of the old Jubilee Diner in Friendsville. A high-level agreement was reached – sweat equity in exchange for occupancy for the interested businesses.
"We created a Cycle of Work (COW) for our project: demo, clean, identify issues, watch YouTube fix-it videos, repair, paint, and repeat," summarized Tara Fike. The project also involved roof and floor replacements, kitchen ceiling replacement, and both deck and shed removals.
"We filled a large commercial dumpster in the first seven days," said Tara Fike.
The sweat equity proved to be extraordinarily valuable – five different businesses are now part of the new "Maple Corner Ventures," including a second-hand goods and "upcycled" furniture business started by the Fikes and known as the Iron Sunflower Company. There is also an opportunity for the Fikes to eventually shift Sweet Nothings to the Friendsville site and make use of a commercial kitchen that would permit expansion into the gluten-free market.
A positive attitude contributed mightily to the positive outcome, according to Ella Fike.
"It was blind faith – we leaned into it to see where it would take us," said Ella. "We celebrated successes, grew from failure, evaluated, reevaluated, and remembered lessons learned."
Dr. Kimberly Govi, Garrett College's coordinator of professional education, said the Fikes' experience through the Power of Possibilities exemplifies the program's mission.
"This program is about empowering students through real-world experiences, connecting education with entrepreneurship, and strengthening ties between our campus and the community," said Govi. "We are incredibly proud of the creativity and courage our student presenters exhibited, and deeply grateful to our local entrepreneurs and partners for sharing their stories and support.
"Events like this don't just teach business skills," added Govi. "They ignite ambition and foster a spirit of innovation that lasts a lifetime."
The POP conference also included featured personal stories by three local entrepreneurs – Eliza Wilhelm, Steve Green, and Larry Roby.
Wilhelm completed Garrett College's diesel mechanic program and subsequently launched Shemokin Diesel repair company. Green, the 2020 Heise Entrepreneurial Spirit Award Winner, owns High Mountain Sports and serves in a leadership role with the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. Roby – a former POP competitor – created "Too Thick to Squeeze" BBQ Dipping Sauce, the "Rub It Your Way" Cajun Spice, and founded the private chef service, Rent-A-Chef.
