Eggs, cake flour, buttermilk, oil and sugar are just a few of the basics that make up the treats that are filling stomachs and putting smiles on faces today. No matter if it is their on-the-go size, enticing taste or ability to satisfy a sweet tooth, cupcakes are bringing happiness to people all over.
Cakes by Cindy, a small business that operates out of the home of owner and baker, Cindy Hosmer, in Hueytown, Ala., has felt the impact of the popularity of cupcakes directly.
Hosmer began her business in June of 2006 after taking an online baking class that focused on the art of creating wedding cakes. She was able to use her eye for decorating and her love of art to make this dream of hers come true.
"I like baking cupcakes because they are much less stressful than cakes that you have to get perfect," Hosmer said.
Today, Hosmer satisfies customers with not just wedding cakes, but specialized cake orders that include her cupcakes. The popularity of cupcakes has affected her business.
"It has provided a different way to add to my business of making wedding cakes while also allowing me to display my cakes in a different way," said Hosmer.
Cupcakes have especially caught the attention of students in Auburn. Jennifer Cooper and her husband own the Downtown Auburn branch of Gigi's Cupcakes, located at 132 North College St., along with three other branches around the area.
The first Gigi's Cupcakes business opened in Nashville, Tenn. on Feb. 21, 2008 and now has over 50 shops across the nation. After its local grand opening in April of 2012, the Downtown Gigi's had local skeptics and cupcake lovers speechless.
"Business was great as soon as the doors were opened," Cooper said. She believes college students enjoy Gigi's so much because they remind them of their homes and moms.
Selling an average of 350 cupcakes per day, Cooper included that the two most popular cupcake choices that are bought by college students are the Midnight Magic and Wedding Cake cupcakes.
After pointing out that those are the two most traditional choices that Gigi's offers, Cooper said, "I like to urge our customers to try new flavors like our awesome Carrot Cake cupcake, not just standard flavors."
Kaylen Stanley, a freshman in accounting, is a cupcake enthusiast and always has something baking in the oven.
"I love baking cupcakes, but I love decorating them even more," Stanley said.
She sees baking as a definite stress reliever and claims that she craves them when school gets her down.
"It just makes me want something sweet. There is so much stress that cupcakes can make better," Stanley said.
Sweet and satisfaction are two words that were used by the local baker, business owner and college student to describe their love of cupcakes, which all differ in small ways, but still play a part in the success of these mini cakes.
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