If you’ve ever wondered how to start a cupcake business, this case study should provide you with some serious inspiration!
You may have noticed that many of the case studies I have written are about people local to me. I feel it best to write honestly about services I have real-life experience of, and this cupcake business is no exception. I have known Paula for many years and always looked forward to seeing her cakes at school fetes and bake sales.
Over the years – from small beginnings – she has progressed her passion into very successful cupcake business. A business making amazing and delicious creations, one of which always graces our Christmas table.
How to start a cupcake business
You will find many adverts for homemade cupcakes and bakes, but many cupcake businesses seem to have limited and short-lived success. Here we look at one which has stood the test of time and continues to go from strength to strength.
I first met Paula Faiers some twenty years ago when our children were at school. She always brought the most amazing cupcakes to school fetes and bake sales. This developed in to small business called Krazy Kupcakes which is still going strong all these years later.
The business offers a wide range of speciality cakes – all handcrafted to the customer’s individual requirements
What gave you the idea for your business?
I have always loved baking, and started by making cakes for family and friends. Soon their friends were also asking me to bake for them so I decided it was time to branch out.
Had you had any experience of working for yourself before?
I had worked in businesses before with my husband. I enjoyed the freedom this allowed so it seemed an ideal opportunity for me.
Were there many startup costs involved?
I didn’t really have to spend anything on start-up costs. The business took off really quickly. It was purely through word of mouth, and I have never had to advertise at all.
I do have a Facebook page, but other than using that and circulating business cards at events, I have been really fortunate that other advertising hasn’t been necessary.
I was so surprised at how much it took off without advertising or start-up costs. I wouldn’t have done it any other way!
If you produce a quality product and maintain high standards at all times, your work will speak for itself.
Did your work have any effect on family life?
Luckily, we had semi-retired when I started, so I didn’t need to juggle much. I was able to fit things around caring for my daughter. It helped immensely with our standard of living too.
With so many similar cupcake businesses around, what do you think made yours stand out and become so successful?
Krazy Kupcakes came about through my love of baking, offering celebration and speciality cupcakes. All my cakes are individually crafted with lots of love, time and care. I am always thinking of new designs and flavours, and working out the best way to achieve the perfect end result .
My aim is to produce attractive and tasty cakes for everyone to enjoy. I only use locally sourced produce, and I strive to produce my cakes to a high quality, taking real pride in my creations.
All my decorations are made by hand which makes every one of my creations totally unique.
Do you need to be inspected or hold any qualifications?
I am fully registered and inspected. I am a holder of the National Food Hygiene Certificate. I am rated “5 stars,” and also have the Level 2 Food Hygiene & Safety Certificate.
In what ways have you been able to expand your business?
To begin with I only baked for people locally, but am now able to post my cakes anywhere in the UK using specially designed boxes.
I also run a series of sugar craft workshops, tutorials and decorating classes which are popular with all sorts of people for parties, hen weekends etc.
In addition, I offer a corporate service and am always happy to help providing cakes for events and other local businesses.
No order is too big or too small – my minimum order is just four cupcakes!
Has there been a standout moment for your with your cupcake business?
There are so many stand out moments! These are often when you see the faces of people you have made a cake for, or receive kind messages of thanks.
The biggest success of all is when people keep coming back for more cakes. This is, of course, great for me and the business!
Now you’ve read about how to start a cupcake business, perhaps you want to get started yourself? Here’s a great book to get your creative juices flowing. You can see some of Paula’s creations here.
A mother of four and a grandmother to five more, it’s little surprise home working opportunities are often on Rosalyn’s agenda. Here she reviews opportunities and interviews people with their own successful ventures. She’s also the founder’s sister, but it doesn’t earn her any special privileges!
