Stricen Carter’s Journey: How the Owner of Sweet Thangs NOLA Built Her Empire In The South

#NOLAZINE - New Orleans is a city known for transforming simple food traditions into unforgettable experiences, and entrepreneur Stricen Carter has added her own colorful chapter to that story. As the owner of Sweet Thangs NOLA, Carter took the traditional New Orleans sno-ball and turned it into an eye-catching designer dessert filled with candy, cookies, cheesecake and plenty of creativity.

During her appearance on Episode #159 of Nolazine’s What’s Yo Story Podcast, Carter opened up about her journey from Houston to New Orleans and the work it took to build her growing business empire.

Carter’s success did not happen overnight. Before operating brick-and-mortar businesses, she developed her entrepreneurial skills by selling products at second lines, festivals, pop-up shops and other community events. Those early experiences taught her how to connect with customers, recognize demand and build a brand from the ground up.

Instead of waiting for someone else to create an opportunity for her, Carter started with what she had and remained committed to her vision.

Sweet Thangs NOLA eventually became known for its elaborate “designer sno-balls.” While traditional sno-balls are normally made with finely shaved ice and flavored syrup, Carter elevated the experience by adding combinations of cheesecake, cookies, candy, fresh fruit and other toppings. The results were colorful desserts created to taste good while also standing out on social media.

The creativity behind the products helped separate Sweet Thangs NOLA from other sno-ball businesses throughout the city. Customers were not simply purchasing something sweet; they were receiving an experience that reflected Carter’s personality, imagination and understanding of New Orleans culture.

As the popularity of Sweet Thangs continued to grow, Carter expanded her entrepreneurial vision by launching NOLA Sips SnoBar and Bistro. The concept introduced adults to liquor-infused sno-balls and specialty cocktail pouches while also offering food such as wings, burgers, crawfish fries, nachos and elote.

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The expansion demonstrated Carter’s ability to build beyond one successful product. She recognized that the Sweet Thangs brand could serve as the foundation for additional ideas, allowing her to reach new customers without abandoning the creativity that made her original business successful.

Carter’s journey also received national attention after popular food critic Keith Lee visited Sweet Thangs NOLA during his New Orleans food tour. Lee’s visit brought more exposure to the business and introduced its unique desserts to an even larger audience.

However, the attention surrounding Sweet Thangs NOLA was built on years of preparation. Long before a viral review or national recognition, Carter was already developing her products, serving customers and establishing herself within the community. Her story proves that major opportunities often arrive after an entrepreneur has spent years doing the work when fewer people are watching.

One of the most inspiring parts of Carter’s journey is her ability to turn an everyday New Orleans tradition into a recognizable brand. She did not attempt to replace the culture surrounding sno-balls. Instead, she respected the tradition while adding her own creative identity.

That balance between culture and innovation has helped Sweet Thangs NOLA become more than a dessert shop. It represents the possibilities available when a determined entrepreneur combines a strong idea with consistency, branding and an understanding of the community.

Carter’s path has not been without challenges. Like many entrepreneurs, she has had to learn how to manage growth, protect her ideas and remain focused while carrying the responsibilities of business ownership. Her willingness to keep adapting has allowed her to move from selling at events to operating physical locations and creating products with the potential to grow beyond New Orleans.

Her interview on What’s Yo Story offers encouragement to anyone attempting to build something from limited resources. Carter’s success shows that entrepreneurs do not always need a perfect beginning. Sometimes a cooler, a creative product and the willingness to show up consistently are enough to start building something special.

Here at Nolazine, we salute Stricen Carter for continuing to represent Black entrepreneurship and New Orleans culture through Sweet Thangs NOLA. Her journey from Houston to New Orleans, from pop-up vending to business ownership, is a powerful example of what can happen when creativity meets discipline and determination.

Stricen Carter is not only selling designer sno-balls—she is building an empire, creating opportunities and showing the next generation of entrepreneurs that a sweet idea can grow into something much bigger.

Watch Stricen Carter’s complete interview on What’s Yo Story Podcast, and follow @sweetthangsnola on social media to support the brand and stay updated.