Melanie Abdilla is a pint-sized 28-year-old who started CutiePie Cupcakes and Co. in late 2009, and since has made thousands of delicious and just-as-tiny cupcakes in a myriad of interesting and unique flavours. Find out more about this Young Entrepreneur in today’s feature.
Elevator Pitch: Describe your business in a nutshell.
CutiePie Cupcakes & Co. is a catering company specializing in bite-sized cupcakes that mimic the tastes of everyone’s favourite desserts. We also love to work with corporate, wedding, theme and brand colours. We cater all sorts of events from weddings to corporate functions to showers and birthdays, etc. Our menu has over 30 flavours and we are always adding exciting new ones.
Why did you start your business, what was the inspiration?
I have always had a passion for baking but it was my family, friends and even former work colleagues who gave me the confidence to really pursue this dream.
The inspiration was to create something different, something fun and unique and above all else to bring the best quality product to the market. With this in mind, CutiePie Cupcakes & Co. was founded and as the name implies all our cupcakes really are ‘cutie-pies.’ They are all bite-sized cakes that mimic the tastes of other pies/sweets/treats. We take beloved classic desserts and turn them into modern cupcakes.
(Orchard Crisp)
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
Baking is what I love and it’s hard to believe I’m able to do this for a living (not to say it’s not challenging). It gives me an outlet to express my creativity and make people happy. It’s always a pleasure seeing someone enjoy what you offer. The most challenging part is allowing yourself and your brain time off, as an entrepreneur you are always on!
Where do you see your business going in 5 years?
We try to take things one day at a time. CutiePie’s aim will never change, although our outlets might. We will always continue to bring our specialty cupcakes to the market and continue to expand our menu. At the moment everything is made-to-order; we take orders for deliveries and pick-ups only and do not cater to walk-in clients. This is something that may change in the future as we will always continue to explore new ways to get our product out there.
(Cotton Candy Princess)
What does success look like to you?
Success does not have a look, it has a feel. It is something that you experience within yourself; you cannot put a label or dollar sign on it. Success is when you set goals and can take pride in the fact that you have given your all to reach them. When you reach these goals, no matter how big or how small, you can take pride in the fact that you have done it. That is success to me.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
In running your own business, especially for the first time, every day can be a milestone. For CutiePie, every new flavour, inspiration, client is a milestone. It’s all new and all great.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Everyone deserves to be happy and no dream is unattainable. Always follow your passions and never settle for less.
Nothing comes without a struggle. Being surrounded by loved ones and people who understand you will help the journey along.
The road to success truly starts where everyone else decides to give up and turn back. Don’t give up!
(Crazy For Brulee)
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
We have worked with and continue to work with a number of charities, such as motionball, Angels’ Wish Foundation, and the Rainbow Ball. Everyone loves sweets and it is nice to be able to give back.
What is Notable to you?
Passion and bravery. Being brave enough to face one’s passions and dreams, risking the unknown in this pursuit. It is individuals who change the world.
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