From Left to Right: Thee Nikki Walker, Me, and our friend Carin Crowe, the CEO of Habitat for Humanity

This isn’t a typical Sheer Ambrosia newsletter article. But as the founder and face of this business, I feel compelled to share something that’s been weighing heavily on me—and, in turn, has affected my ability to show up fully for my work.

On the morning of Tuesday, June 24th, I woke up to what felt like a nightmare. Around 7:30 a.m., I received a call from Dr. Sidni Shorter, President of the Utah Black Chamber. The moment I heard her voice, I knew something was wrong.

“What’s wrong? What happened?” I asked.

Her voice was low and trembling—barely a whisper. She hesitated, and then the words came:

“Rita, Nikki died.”

My brain couldn’t process it. Nikki? Surely not our Nikki. Not Utah’s Nikki. Maybe she meant someone else—an older community member I didn’t know well? But no… it was Nikki Walker.

Just weeks earlier, I had seen her at the Habitat for Humanity fundraiser. She was radiant as always—commanding the room as emcee, full of confidence and poise. How could this be?

I learned that Nikki suffered from asthma, and Utah’s air quality—especially during our recent windstorms—had made conditions difficult for anyone with respiratory issues. I never imagined asthma could be deadly, but tragically, it was.

Nikki and I weren’t best friends, nor would I say we were close. But she was a constant presence in my world—a bright, undeniable force at nearly every event I attended. She showed up for me in moments that mattered. She came to my grand opening. She was there to comfort me last November when the building that houses my bakery was vandalized, and I had to throw out $2,000 worth of baklava. I cried on her shoulder that day. She didn’t have to be there, but she was. That was Nikki. A rock for so many of us.

The news of her passing spread quickly—rightfully covered by major news outlets. I attended three tributes before her funeral, each one overflowing with people whose lives she had touched. It’s hard to believe someone who lived in Utah for just over seven years could leave such a profound legacy.

Nikki was fearless. A fierce advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion—and a proud Republican. She didn’t fit neatly into anyone’s expectations. She didn’t code switch. She was unapologetically herself: Jersey-born, bold, brilliant, and relentless in her pursuit of justice and excellence.

She mentored so many. Sat on boards. Ran a PR company. She even ran for state office. She was everywhere—at every party, every panel, every moment that mattered. And yet, somehow, I never made the time to truly get to know her. Not in the way I now wish I had.

I turned down invitations—to her birthday party, to the Black Panther screening she hosted—because I was always working. Always too busy. Too buried in the grind of running this business. And now, I can’t get those opportunities back.

Losing Nikki has forced me to reflect on some hard truths:

1. I need to slow down and nurture the relationships I value—and the ones I haven’t yet taken the time to grow.
2. I need to prioritize my health. Sleep better. Eat better. Take care of myself, not just my business.
3. I need to speak up. To tell people I love and admire how I feel while they’re still here to hear it.
4. I need to live more like Nikki. Bold. Fearless. Unapologetically authentic.

For days after her death, I was in a fog. Grieving not just for myself, but for her beloved mother Sharon, her son Jacob, and the family members I don't know. The sense of loss wasn’t only personal—it was communal. We didn’t have to be best friends for me to feel this deeply. Her passing has left a crater in this community.

Nikki Walker was only 48 years old. She was a national treasure. A once-in-a-generation kind of woman.

And while I didn’t get to know her as well as I now wish I had, I miss her already.

My Baklava Wedding Cake...a sweet - think outside the box - idea!

A representative from Utah Bride & Groom Magazine reached out to invite me to showcase Sheer Ambrosia at their annual White Party—a highly anticipated event in the wedding industry. He found me online and thought my baklava might be a perfect fit. I listened, did my research, and said a lot of prayers. The booth fee was steep—more than I’ve ever paid for any event—but weddings have always felt like the holy grail for my business. And I mean, baklava at a wedding? What could be more elegant?

Sheer Ambrosia’s baklava is sophisticated, stunning, rich with flavor, and built to last. Unlike a frosted cake that wilts in summer heat, our pastries hold up beautifully—making them an ideal summer wedding treat or favor. After some deep consideration, I decided:

Go big or go home.

If I was going to step into the world of weddings, I was going to bring my A-game.

At the White Party, I handed out 100 one-piece wedding favor boxes and sampled three of our top flavors—including our fan-favorite Traditional Honey Walnut and our newest hit, Pistachio Orange Cardamom. The theme this year?

Mediterranean Oranges.

How perfect is that? I couldn't have picked a better moment to showcase that beautiful citrus-infused flavor. The fragrance, the color, the vibe—it all aligned.

The event was buzzing with Utah’s top wedding planners, photographers, caterers, and stylists. I made so many incredible connections and had so many meaningful conversations. And the best part? A full-page ad for Sheer Ambrosia will be featured in the next edition of Utah Bride & Groom Magazine! Fingers crossed the right people see it—and taste what we do best.

Owning and growing a business isn’t easy. It’s exciting. It’s exhausting. But it’s also the most rewarding, exhilarating work I’ve ever done. I’m pouring everything I have into making Sheer Ambrosia thrive—and moments like this give me hope that it’s all worth it.

To celebrate this beautiful step into the wedding world, I’m offering a special treat for you:

💫 Enjoy 15% off our Traditional Honey Walnut and Pistachio Orange Cardamom flavors—the very same ones we featured at the White Party!

Use code: WHITEPARTY15 at checkout through July 31st.

Take a peek at some of the photos from the event below—they’re as gorgeous as the day was sweet.

And if you or someone you know is planning a wedding, baby shower, or special event, remember:

Baklava makes everything more beautiful.

With gratitude,

Rita

Me with my ride-or-die Desi - She is always such a huge help at events like this. When the party was over, Desi took the lead and got everything packed up and ready to go while I was still talking and meeting the right people. Thank you Des, I love you!

🌸 A Heartfelt Thank You to Nordstrom

And Why This Partnership

Means Everything to Me

Just outside the Fashion Place Mall entrance to Nordstrom.

It was from Nordstrom.

They were reaching out to ask if I’d like to sell my baklava in their store as part of their Juneteenth celebration. Would I?! That was a no-brainer. I practically broke the sound barrier replying to that email—Speedy Gonzalez had nothing on me that day! Summer is typically a lean time for Sheer Ambrosia, so this opportunity couldn’t have come at a better moment.

They offered me two dates: the Saturday before Father’s Day or the following Saturday. Naturally, I chose Father’s Day weekend, hoping for that sweet gift-giving momentum. I arrived early, set up my display, and by the end of the day...

I had completely sold out.

It was glorious. For the first time in a long time, I felt I was exactly where I was meant to be. Surrounded by people who not only understood what baklava was but valued it—who appreciated the love, craft, and heritage that goes into every piece I make. That day gave me more than just a cash infusion (which my small business absolutely needed). It gave me hope.

After that incredible experience, I asked who was scheduled for the following weekend. They told me I could come back if I wanted. You better believe I jumped on that chance! And while the second Saturday didn’t sell out quite like the first, it was still an amazing day.

Let me tell you: compared to the hustle of the farmers market—the 2:30 a.m. alarms, the heavy tents, the 100-degree heat—this was a dream. No explaining what baklava is to every passerby. No sweat-drenched days. I was indoors, surrounded by air conditioning and good vibes, and every person I met felt like someone I had baked for my whole life.

Now, I’ve been invited back for a third time this Saturday—and I could not be more grateful.

Stephanie, Chloe, and the entire Nordstrom team: thank you. From the bottom of my heart. You saw me. You saw my work. And you gave me the platform I’ve been fighting for.

All small businesses like mine really need is a chance. A place to stand and present what we do with excellence, in front of the right audience. Since opening my commercial kitchen, reaching those people has been one of my biggest challenges. I’ve hired marketing firms, paid for Google, Facebook, and Instagram ads—but nothing compares to getting in front of real people who get it.

Nordstrom shoppers are my people.

And Nordstrom, you’ve given me that stage. Thank you for supporting my dream—and helping me keep it alive.

If you’re near Nordstrom this Saturday, come by and say hello.

Taste what all the buzz is about, grab a box for yourself or as a gift, and help me keep this sweet momentum going.

-Peace, Love, and Baklava Forever,

Rita Magalde