Celebrating One Year of Taking a Chance and Living a Dream
A few years ago, our friend Nikki Basham came to the studio for the first time to help promote her family's business, Frogtown Foods. Her kind, bubbly personality and sense of humor made me an instant fan, but what impressed me the most was her passion.
You can tell when you meet her that she loves what she does. That's why it didn't surprise me at all when she came back to the studio and told us that she was getting ready to open her very own business. "I took a chance on myself and opened Black Flame Cartel," Nikki said. "Looking back now, it’s hard to believe how much has happened in just one year."
A long-time dream was worth taking the risk for. Nikki went on to say, "I loved serving people, being creative, and building something that reflected who I am, but stepping out on my own was intimidating. There are never any guarantees when you start a business. You invest your time, your money, and your heart, hoping people will believe in your vision."
When your vision is hot dogs, I'm already on board! Serving up DELICIOUS gourmet glizzys with classic and unique flavors, Nikki has already made a LOT of people VERY happy. You can usually find her to "Feed your rebellious side" at the Owensboro Regional Farmer's Market, Friday After 5, and Rural King, and she always posts her weekly schedules on the Black Flame Cartel Facebook page.
Nikki didn't want "just another hot dog cart." She wanted Black Flame Cartel to be different. "I wanted it to have its own personality and experience. Something bold, rebellious, and memorable. The cartel theme gave us a unique identity, but what really matters is the community we’ve built around it."
Her customers are “Insiders” in this delicious little community. Speaking of, as Black Flame Cartel celebrates its first birthday, they are using it as an excuse to throw a big ole party for a good cause. "One thing I’m especially proud of is that this business has become about more than just serving hot dogs. If this business is going to grow, I want it to grow while making a positive impact on the community that has supported me from day one."
This Saturday at The Lot at 900 East 4th Street from 4- 7 PM is the Black Flame Cartel Birthday Bash to benefit Friends of Sinners. With a special anniversary hot dog that will only be served that day, they'll also have giveaways for free food and discounts and fun photo ops. You can find more information on the Facebook page here.
"Owensboro has shown up for me in ways I never imagined." Nikki shared, "Every customer who grabbed lunch, every person who shared one of our posts, every event organizer who gave us a chance, and every regular who keeps coming back has played a part in this story."
If Nikki is a "mob boss," she is the sweetest one I've ever heard of! You won't meet a more grateful and generous gal. Her sense of appreciation for her "insiders" and her family and friends who help her along the way makes me want a hot dog reallllllllll bad, ya know? "Small businesses don’t succeed alone, and I don’t take that support for granted."
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Gallery Credit: MKAT
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