Meet Shelia Griffin of SheCupcakes Bake Shoppe

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelia Griffin.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I got started in baking with an Easy Bake Oven as a young girl. I spent many summers in the kitchen with my grandmother, Thelma Aykes. She was an entrepreneur with a Barbeque business in Wharton, Texas. I was able to learn a lot of information that would carry me into adulthood. I was fascinated with cooking and baking. I started baking peanut butter cookies at the age of 10. I continued to grow with my baking skills and adding new recipes.

I was working in Corporate America when I lost my job in 2009. During that time, I was doing my research on starting a business with only pound cakes. I was the baker in my family and 7-Up Cakes was my specialty. I baked for all of my family events and co-workers. My goal was to remain in Corporate America and continue building my career. I had completed a Master of Arts in Education/Adult Education & Training so my baking business would be a weekend business. While I was doing my research, I saw how the cupcake industry was growing on the East Coast. I was only aware of a few cupcakes shops in Houston. I knew it would take some time for this industry to move down South. My focus changed from pound cakes to cupcakes.

After I lost my job, it was the right time and opportunity to pursue cupcakes. I started experimenting with cake recipes as cupcakes. My family became my taste-testers. In early 2010, we started a booth at the Farmers Market. We were able to build a great following and really grow the business. During this time, I created a website and my social media pages. I was baking for my weekly customers at the market along with orders from repeat customers.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I would have to say as an entrepreneur you will face some obstacles at different times throughout the journey. In 2015, I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. During this time we were in the planning stages of the cupcake truck. We remained focused on my health and trusted God for my healing. I continued working on the business and baking orders for customers.

The cupcake truck was a major transition in our business. This was the next level in our growth phase. Challenges will and can exist in any business. I think it’s the mindset of the individual. My faith is my foundation and it carries me through any challenges whether personal or business.

SheCupcakes Bake Shoppe – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
SheCupcakes Bake Shoppe is a gourmet cupcake business. We operate our business from a cupcake truck. We bake cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and cakes. Our Red Velvet Cupcakes is our top seller and during the fall season, Pumpkin Pecan is the top seller. You can find us at Food Truck Friday events throughout the city. We attend events at schools, churches and corporate locations. We still deliver weekly orders to our customers for any of our menu items.

I think what sets me apart from others is my love of Jesus Christ and people. My faith is the foundation of who I am and it determines how I operate the business. My customers know that I’m a believer and it’s something I don’t hide in business. What sets me apart in the kitchen is my all scratch baking. We bake all of our sweet treats from scratch. Our customers also purchase our delicious pound cakes in a variety of flavors.

I’m so proud of the fact this is a family business. My husband, Dwain, has been my support system throughout this journey. This business became a reality because of his love and support. My children, Christian and DeShaina, have always been supportive of the business and remain my biggest cheerleaders.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is different for each person. I define success as loving what I do and knowing that I’m walking in my divine purpose. I know this vision was God ordained and I have an opportunity to share the love of Jesus Christ each time I come in contact with a customer through baked goods.

Success is also knowing who I am and what my business has to offer. I’m not trying to bake all things for everybody. My menu items are consistent with some variations for the seasons and holidays.

An important criterion for me in my business is the ability to attract new customers. I certainly appreciate repeat orders from my existing customer base. However, new customers and referrals mean my customers are happy and my marketing activities are working.

Pricing:

• Cupcakes – $36 and Up
• Cookies – $15 and Up
• Sheet Cakes – $65 and Up

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shecupcakes.com
• Phone: 281-636-3919
• Email: shecupcakes@yahoo.com
• Instagram: shecupcakes_bake_shoppe
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/shecupcakes
• Twitter: @shecupcakes
• Other: http://thebp.site/119878

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