Life has a way of leading us down unexpected paths. For Traci Halky, owner of the Nothing Bundt Cakes on New Britain Avenue in West Hartford, the journey took a life-affirming turn when she decided to bring a bit of sweetness to her Connecticut community.
While living in South Florida, Traci and her family discovered a special bakery they loved to visit. Nothing Bundt Cakes became their go-to place to find happiness and indulge in sweet treats.
“And when COVID hit, we decided to change things up and move back to New England. I was a lawyer but when I weighed the options to continue as a lawyer in Connecticut or do something different, I picked something different.”
She became the franchise owner of Nothing Bundt Cakes in West Hartford.
The Nothing Bundt Cakes franchise is a community of like-minded individuals who value exceptional product quality and strong core values. For Traci, this was pivotal as she aimed to create a place where employees and customers felt comfortable and cherished.
The franchise shines a spotlight on establishing genuine connections within each community. Concentrating on events, donations, and other community-oriented activities with an emphasis on giving back struck a chord with Traci.
“It was really important to me to be a giving member of West Hartford. It's not just about making money, but about being happy while doing it. And I think that finding something that brings you pleasure and also has purpose is a blessing.”
Traci and Nothing Bundt Cakes have become a symbol of community support and generosity.
From sponsoring events, giving cakes to new members of the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce, donating cakes to nonprofits, and actively participating in community initiatives, her bakery has proved to be a cornerstone of kindness and outreach.
“I get to deliver cakes to new members and say ‘welcome to the chamber’. And we were the New Business of the Year for 2023 so that was very exciting!”
One heartwarming initiative is her partnership with Futures, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to helping people with disabilities live an inclusive life within their communities through individualized education and employment. She was the dessert sponsor for this year’s annual fundraiser and engaged the students in making the treats at the bakery, creating a meaningful experience for all involved.
And the bakery’s influence doesn’t end there. Her employees, often young adults, find a nurturing and welcoming environment. The bakery offers not just a place of work but a platform for personal and professional growth, underpinned by genuine care and compassion.
The bakery staff includes Sarah Smith, Traci's cousin and manager "who is just so important to me and to the success of the bakery." All the staff, she adds, takes immense pride in their creations and with their hand-crafted decorations.
Traci's bakery offers a wide array of special-occasion cakes featuring handmade bows and personalized touches. Their tagline, "Give thanks and be sweet to each other," reflects their core values and commitment to kindness.
The business has been a transformative journey for Traci’s family as well. She actively includes her children in her business, teaching them the importance of giving back to the community and spreading joy. “My children get to experience firsthand the magic of celebrating life's moments with others,” Traci says.
Nothing Bundt Cakes
1481 New Britain Ave.
860-590-6336
Nothingbundtcakes.com
On Facebook: @NothingBundtCakesWestHartfordCT
Open daily, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
