Mission43 Entrepreneur Course Alumni Launches Business
Boise’s newest sweet sensation: Whoopie-Ki-Yay
Vicki White is a retired Air Force SMSgt who has embarked on a delicious journey of entrepreneurship with her newly launched business, Whoopie-Ki-Yay, a one-of-a-kind bakery specializing in whoopie pies.
Vicki’s military journey began in 1983, right after high school, as a means to pay for her college education. She didn’t know then that a 31-year career in the Air Force and Idaho National Guard as a Senior Master Sergeant would equip her with a diverse skill set and prepare her to run her own business. With experience in admin, logistics, plans & scheduling, and as a First Sergeant, Vicki gained invaluable insights and training that she now applies to her own business.
“All of those career fields gave me different insights and training that I could apply to my own business, and I did get that college degree with honors in Business Administration, but not until I turned 40.”
Whoop Whoop for Whoopie Pies!
As a single parent, Vicki always had a side hustle to supplement her income, so she’s no stranger to entrepreneurship, but for years she had been trying to come up with the perfect business that would truly ignite her passion. The lightbulb went off when she stumbled upon the idea of a pumpkin whoopie pie, and recognized the untapped potential for this traditional East Coast treat in Boise’s culinary scene.
Vicki was accepted into the spring 2023 cohort of the Mission43 Entrepreneur Course, facilitated in partnership with the College of Western Idaho and taught by entrepreneurial expert Ryan Vasso of Reply Pro. Over the six weeks, she was able to build on her knowledge and connect with a group of peers sharing their insight and experience.
“I was really nervous about taking the entrepreneur course. I wasn’t sure how intense it would be, but Ryan made it engaging and interesting! I was able to get an updated version of a business plan, versus what I learned in a 4-year degree. The course made it easy to actually put a working model together sooner.”
The scary and exciting aspects of launching a business
Vicki’s entrepreneurial journey has seen its fair share of highs and lows. The highs are immensely rewarding, from making sales to receiving support from friends and family. However, the stress associated with setting up her first event was an initial challenge. Nevertheless, her determination and resilience have allowed her to learn and adapt with each event, making it easier over time. Vicki anticipates that it will be much more convenient once her food trailer is ready to hit the streets!
Launching a business is not for the faint of heart, and Vicki understands the apprehension that comes with it. Announcing her venture to the world and hoping for success was a nerve-wracking experience; yet, the most exciting part is hearing directly from customers and friends how much they love her whoopie pies. The sheer joy and satisfaction she witnesses with each order motivates her and fuels the growth of Whoopie-Ki-Yay.
How to get your hands on a Whoopie-Ki-Yay whoopie pie
Getting your hands on a fresh-baked Whoopie-Ki-Yay is easy as pie! You can place an order on Instagram and Facebook by sending a direct message, or you can reach out via email whoopiepiekiyay@gmail.com. Vicki is more than happy to take your orders and ensure you get your fill of goodies!
Headed out to any of the Idaho summer markets? You can catch Vicki and her whoopie pies at various upcoming events, like the Ontario Saturday Market and Middleton Harvest Festival. Whoopie-Ki-Yay pies are also located at Boise’s Hideout Coffee CO. on Broadway - and personally, we couldn’t think of a better combo than a whoopie pie and hot cup o’ joe!
The Whoopie-Ki-Yay food trailer is in the works and once completed, you’ll be seeing more treats at large venues and popular food truck spots.
Support local businesses, experience the joy of homemade goodness, and follow Whoopie-Ki-Yay on social media. Place your order(s) and be part of Vicki’s exciting journey as she spreads love and happiness one whoopie pie at a time.
Thinking of starting your own business?
If you’re an Idaho veteran, service member, or spouse thinking about launching your own business, connect with a Mission43 Education Specialist by emailing education@mission43.org.