The December 22, 2018 through January 25, 2019 shutdown of the US federal government caused a lot of angst and despair for many, including sisters Nikki Howard and Jaqui Wright who were furloughed. After deciding to trade in the practice of worry for the promise of work, they began selling cheesecakes they had long made for family and friends.
Their business began with good traction that included a video appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show. After scoring a Walmart contract to service more than 100 stores, The Furlough Cheesecake business is booming! With a delicious recipe in hand, Howard and Wright leveraged their relationship and work ethic to not only pay everyday bills, but to also employ many in their family and community.
The name of their company, The Furlough Cheesecake, and its origin story are potent reminders of how to turn what appears to be a problem into a launching pad for greater success. Cheesecake anyone?