Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Lee.
Erica, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’d always known I wanted to be an entrepreneur and decided to try my hand at handmade soy candles and other bath products. However, this venture ended fairly quickly, as this was not my passion. Around this same time, I became pregnant and was placed on bed rest. After the birth of my son, I became a stay-at-home mom of five wonderful children and also faced with the reality that my family and I would be totally dependent on my husband’s income. With my oldest daughter’s 13th birthday quickly approaching and my family having only one income, I decided to plan her party myself.
After searching for ideas and inspiration from YouTube, I made homemade cupcakes and a candy buffet. The overwhelming feedback I received from the children and their parents about my creations sparked a fire in me, and I knew I had to continue with planning kids’ parties. Soon after, I began posting to social media, which, too gained great response. All I could think about was baking. I would go to sleep and even dream about baking. I had discovered my passion. After having my cupcakes critiqued by family and a circle of close friends, I decided it was time to take the next step and share my passion with the world. Couture Cupcakes Boutique delivered its first order on February 14, 2014.
Has it been a smooth road?
No, this has not been a smooth road. Entrepreneurship is never smooth. Starting this business came with its own set of challenges, many of which brought me close to giving up, but every day I decide to keep pushing. There have been numerous late nights and early mornings. Although many may think baking is magic, it’s not. I spend countless hours in the kitchen baking and creating to ensure that everything is made fresh for each of my customers.
One other challenge I’m faced with is trying to get people to see my worth and actually pay me what I know I’m worth. I know the sacrifices I make, especially as it relates to me fulfilling my role as a wife and stay-at-home mom of five. I am constantly encouraging myself and declaring that all of my sacrifices will pay off. A scripture in which I often recite is Proverbs 18:16, “A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.”
Couture Cupcakes Boutique – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Couture Cupcakes Boutique is a home-based dessert bakery that was established in 2014. We specialize in delicious gourmet cupcakes and juicy chocolate-dipped strawberries. I am grateful for my customers and have formed a trusting relationship with many of them over the past six years. Couture Cupcakes Boutique has grown through word of mouth, as there’s nothing like a satisfied customer. We are always aiming to gain new customers that may need our services. I love to bake, and I just want to share that love with others.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
What I like best about our city is convenience, social life, diverse ethnicities, plethora of different cuisine, and perfect weather. What I Like least is the traffic, crime and cost of living.
Contact Info:
- Email: couturecupcakesbtq@gmail.com
- Instagram: couture_cupcakes_boutique
- Facebook: Couture Cupcakes Boutique
Image Credit:
Peculiar People Photography
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