Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Brace.
Hi Amy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was actually in the medical field for 10 years doing CT scans, and started watching Cupcake Wars in 2011. I started bringing new and fun flavor cupcakes to work and realized it was truly becoming a passion of mine. I have baked with my mom ever since I was little and I have always loved it, so this really just fit for me. I started by working out of my house and did the Minnetonka Farmers’ Market in 2015 and grew my customer base. In June 2016 we opened our brick and mortar in Hopkins right on Mainstreet and it’s been a wild ride ever since. We opened a second location in 2018 at Southdale Mall and realized it wasn’t the best fit, so we closed there and expanded our Hopkins location, so we could make more yummy treats all out of one spot. We have truly integrated the shoppe into the community, and appreciate the love and support we get every day at the shoppe.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road started a little tough with finding funding, and being taken seriously by construction companies as a female business owner. The beginning was so different and quite chaotic because I had only ever made treats per order, and now we had custom orders and a front of house to make cupcakes for, and it was a steep learning curve! Through many long days and tons of discussions we found our groove in the kitchen, and were able to work so well and efficiently together. Through the years we got better and better and then COVID hit and everything turned upside down. I worked day in and day out to make sure the employees at the shoppe were taken care of, and we all made it to the other side. Shortly after COVID was starting to ease up I was diagnosed with breast cancer and have been in treatment ever since. This has been the most challenging part of my life. I am trying to balance being a business owner, wife, mom, friend, all the while going through 10 surgeries in two years, chemo, radiation and so much more. Being a business owner has brought me so much joy and I have learned so much about myself, and how we can improve the lives of the people around us by caring about each other. The small business life is truly beautiful and crazy all at the same time!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Amy’s Cupcake Shoppe?
We are located at 701 Mainstreet, Hopkins MN and have been in business since June 14th, 2016. We specialize in gourmet cupcakes, French macarons, custom cakes, custom decorated sugar cookies, and so many more treats always made from scratch with only the best ingredients. We also offer delivery for weddings and events, and have donated thousands of dollars to local charities and sports teams. We are set apart from other bakeries in the fact that we make everything from scratch from our cupcakes, to cheesecakes, to jams, curds, and our salted caramel. you will be able to taste the difference, and they are always decorated to perfection. We are able to color coordinate almost all of our treats to your event, for that special extra touch. Getting to bake treats for the biggest and smallest moments in life is one of the greatest honors we have as bakers!
What matters most to you?
Customer service, and quality matter most to us. When a customer comes in they are so important to us, and we want to help them whether that is a conversation about the weather (we are Minnesotans after all), or talk about their life. It’s truly beautiful to be able to make someone’s day better through conversation and a yummy treat. We get to know our customers and their families, and that is the best feeling!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amyscupcakeshoppe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amyscupcakeshoppe
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amyscupcakeshoppe
Image Credits
Ashley Elwill Photography
Engle Olson
