Building a Business That Gives Women Purpose and Profit – Nikki Talbot’s Story

When you look at a successful class-based business, it is easy to assume it began with a clear plan and a confident strategy. In reality, most are built gradually, shaped by real life, changing priorities and a willingness to follow something that feels meaningful.

That is exactly how Nikki Talbot built her business Pudding and Pie.

What started as a personal shift after becoming a parent has grown into a nationwide franchise supporting women to build their own cooking school businesses.

Nikki began her career in a corporate role as a business and finance training manager. Everything changed when her babies were born prematurely and spent time in special care.

That experience prompted her to reassess what she wanted from life and work.

“When we start having our family, it makes us look at absolutely everything.”

Through weaning her children and focusing on nutrition, a new passion emerged. It was not planned, but it was powerful enough to act on.

Starting in the community

Pudding and Pie began with local classes, preschool sessions and weekend cooking schools. These were not just about learning to cook. They became spaces where children built confidence and parents found connection.

“We provide so much more than just the activity, it is a safe space for children and for parents too.”

As demand grew, Nikki expanded into nurseries and schools through recommendations and relationships. Growth came steadily, not overnight, following a path many providers will recognise:

• Community classes building trust
• Nursery partnerships opening doors
• Schools expanding reach
• A small team supporting delivery
• New areas testing the model
• Franchising creating scale

It took 12 years before Nikki stepped away from teaching. That shift is one many business owners find difficult, especially when they love what they do.

“If I wanted to have more impact on more children, I couldn’t keep doing everything myself.”

From delivery to leadership

Stepping back from delivery allowed Nikki to grow the business beyond herself. By building a team and eventually franchising, she created a model that could reach far more families than she could alone.

Franchising, for Nikki, was not just about scaling. It was about creating opportunities for other women.

“You don’t have to choose between purpose and profit. You can have both.”

Her model offers flexibility, income and a sense of purpose, particularly for parents looking for something that fits around family life while still feeling meaningful.

Growth comes through relationships

One of the strongest messages from Nikki’s journey is that growth, particularly in schools and nurseries, comes from relationships rather than waiting to be discovered. She now reaches around 70,000 children each year, built through consistent effort and visibility.

“Schools aren’t waiting for us, we need to let them know we exist.”

Her approach is simple and effective:

• Build genuine relationships
• Be proactive and visible
• Communicate your value clearly
• Stay consistent over time
• Take action before confidence arrives

Confidence, as she explains, is built through doing, not waiting.

Nikki Talbot as a judge

As a judge for the Class Business Awards, Nikki brings a clear understanding of what it really takes to build and grow a business over time. She is less interested in surface-level success and more focused on the story behind it.

“I’d love to know what they offer beyond just the skill, what difference are they really making?”

She is looking for businesses that create real impact, not only for children but for families and communities. She also recognises the value of the awards process itself as a moment for reflection, helping business owners see how far they have come and build confidence for what comes next.

The impact that lasts

One of the most powerful moments Nikki shared was hearing from a parent whose child attended her classes at three years old and now works in a Michelin-starred restaurant. That early experience sparked something that stayed with him.

“You remember how someone made you feel, and that’s what lasts.”

That is the legacy of this sector. Not just skills, but confidence, curiosity and long-term impact.

If you are building a class-based business, Nikki’s story is a reminder that growth takes time, leadership evolves and purpose and profit can sit side by side.

Watch the full interview on the Class Business Academy YouTube channel to hear more about her journey and insights.