Nicole Dailey

Nicole (Nikki) Dailey credits her mother with inspiring her to become an entrepreneur. Nikki says, “My mom worked endlessly as a successful real estate broker for more than 40 years and is a continual inspiration to me.” In 2012, Nicole opened HEAT Culinary, a catering and cooking class business.

Nikki first contacted WEV for funding for her food truck, then for support during her expansion to a larger location in Carpinteria. She learned she doesn’t have to do things alone and said, “I try to do it all on my own, but the support and encouragement of a team of women behind me is everything.” Dailey feels the love from WEV. “Each and every WEV team member has uplifted me when I’ve been down and needed to push through… and they bring a smile to my face whenever I need a question answered or want to share the excitement of my company’s growth.”

HEAT culinary is looking forward to continued growth and expansion. With four brick and mortar locations as of May 2023, Nikki hopes to keep adding more. Though she has faced some challenges along the way, she does not regret becoming an entrepreneur. She said, “This is the best step I‘ve ever taken and worth each and every risk! Which is what it always is, a risk – but a worthy one.”