Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Romero.
Stephanie, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started to bake cupcakes and different cake pastries when I was about eight years old. I learned a lot of techniques by watching my father when I would visit his job. My father was a kitchen manager in the Latin American chain restaurants and was responsible for all pastries being created in the restaurant. Over the weekends or after school, I would turn on my TV to the Food Network channel and watch Carlos Bakery, Georgetown Cupcakes, and Cupcake Wars. I started to post my creations on instagram just for fun and found a big passion into baking all the variety of sweets. I absolutely loved making cupcakes the most and realized I wanted to brand my name and make everyone aware of my passion. I would post my creations on social media and would sell small treats for family events.
Towards 2018, Cupcakes & Sweet Life started off Instagram with minimal followers and as a “hobby” page. And at the end of my undergraduate years (2019-2020), I wanted to make more of this business than just pictures. I started to attend Small Business Bazaar in Opa-Locka and sold out of cupcakes after my first attempt. I found joy in it and continued to share my name to family, friends and potential customers. To date, I have been fortunate enough to continue to expand, especially with COVID-19. I think a lot of it took practice, patience, and communication with others. I have a big vision for my small business and I will continue thriving for it.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road creating my small business. I had absolutely no idea how to market or take a good picture of my products. I would try my best to spread the word but constantly shy away. I learned that marketing is a big factor to advertising the sweets and trying out giveaways to bring more customers. Some customers do not have social media, so I learned to create a website that is accessible to all my customers. I can say that learning how to value the costs of my products has been one of my biggest challenges because I do not want to undercharge or overcharge my products. For the prices that I sell, you will receive a delicious and beautifully crafted sweet. To this day, I continue to learn how to build my business without any help. So far, the road is becoming smooth but I know that this will not be the end of many challenges that may arise.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Cupcakes & Sweet Life – what should we know?
I am the founder and baker of Cupcakes & Sweet Life! I am known for the cupcakes that I bake and the cupcake that is tattooed on my ankle, representing my passion. I am known for my creative combination of cupcakes and my cookie cups! I believe what sets me apart from other local small baking businesses is the fact that I bring my creations together in my small house and make sure that every part of baking is perfected. I also provide great customer service to my customers and ensure that they are receiving quality products. I am proud of how much I have established for my company and the plans/goals that I have set in mind. What most of my recurring customers notice is that I am an individual running a small business, going to grad school, working a part-time job, while investing in my self-care routines. I believe that if you are dedicated to what you want, you will create a schedule to help you achieve those goals.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My family, significant other, and customers are my biggest supporters. My family helped me establish the foundations of bringing my business together. What steps I could take to ensure that I will not lose in my business. I can also say that my family are my guinea pigs to my products and I receive their approvals before presenting to my customers. My significant other has helped me ensure that my products are of great quality. He works in a restaurant and understands how plating a dish is important for presentation. This is a technique that I learned and always reach him for approval before presenting to my customers. Lastly, without my customers, I would not be where I am at now. I believe my customers are my main motivators because they provide feedback on how I could improve and always support my small-growing business.
Pricing:
- Cupcakes range from $2.50 (basic) to $3.50 (boozy).
- Cookie cups come in a variety of flavors for $2 each.
- Cupcake jars come in a variety of flavors for $5 per jar.
- Cake Stuffed Cookies come in a variety of flavors $3 per cookie
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cupcakesandsweetlife.com
- Phone: (786)339-0437
- Email: cupcakesandsweetlife@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cupcakesandsweetlife/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cupcakesandsweetlife/
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