Cupcake Baker of the Week: Roxanne Ferrance, Cake In A Cup NY

Sometimes inspiration can come from unexpected places. This week’s featured baker, Roxanne Ferrance, stumbled upon her passion for baking while watching tv with her son. Roxanne honed her skills and turned them into Cake In A Cup NY, a custom cake and cupcake business providing made-to-order treats. She provides cakes or cupcakes custom decorated for any occasion, and has even catered cupcakes for Russell Simmons’ RUSH Hearts Education Luncheon. Read the interview to find out how Roxanne got started and what she has learned along the way.

Name: Roxanne Ferrance
Location: Bronxville, NY
Website: www.cakeinacupny.com

1. How did you get started baking cupcakes?
   A few years ago I was watching television with my son, and he asked me to bake him the sacher torte chocolate cake that was on TV. I said ok, then we hit the stores and bought all necessary ingredients and made the cake. Then I started making all different flavors but in cupcake form. Next came catering for his school and others. Cake in a Cup NY was born.
2. Do you have any formal training?
   Most of the decorations and techniques I have learned on my own. Recently, I did attend the French Culinary Institute for a recreational cake decorating class.
3. What other kinds of products do you offer at your shop?
   I don't have a storefront at this time but I do utilize a commercial kitchen space to bake my products. We offer 14 flavors of cake and cheesecake with a variety of toppings.
4. Do you have a signature cupcake, or a personal favorite?
   Our signature cupcake and customer favorite is "Redds;" a scrumptious, moist and decadent red velvet cake with a rich and smooth cream cheese buttercream topping. My personal favorite is caribbean carrot. 
5. What lead you to open your own business?
   The demand for a fresh and personalized product is what pushed me to become part of a growing trend.
6. What sets your shop apart from other NY cupcakeries?
   Not only are our cupcakes stuffed with the best tasting fillings, our customers know that they can customize every detail of their order to fit their theme.
7. What is the best business advice you've ever gotten?
   Be focused and always concentrate on the positive.
8. Any advice you wish someone had given you before you started?
   If you are able to shadow someone in the field you are getting into is definitely a PLUS.
9. What’s the most difficult aspect of running your own business?
   Knowing that you can not say yes to every order.
10. Do you work with original recipes? How do you come up with those?
    My original recipes have been handed down from family members.
11. How do you market yourself?
    Social media plays a big part of the orders we receive, but word of mouth is the leading factor.
12. How does social media play a role in your business?
    It's a huge part of my business. it has propelled me to the next level where shipping my cakes is now a BIG request.
13. Any goals for expanding your business?
    I would love to have a franchise in the near future. Cake in a Cup NY coming to a corner near you!
14. Any cupcake horror stories?
    I was delivering cupcakes to a client in Harlem, NY, and there were a lot of bumps in the road along the way, but I was sure that I was driving carefully enough. Well to my surprise, when we arrived and opened the box to check the order it was completely ruined beyond repair. After crying on the side of the road and trying to think of the best excuse I could give, I dug deep into my pockets and found enough money to give the client a full refund. It was the most embarrassing and worst feeling in my life. I didn't have enough time to go back home and repair the cupcakes to return in time for the event. I delivered the cupcakes, apologized and RAN out the door.

Thanks, Roxanne! Stay tuned for the next Cupcake Baker of the Week. Leave us questions, feedback, and suggestions for future bakers in the comments below, or e-mail Jackie at cupcakestakethecake@gmail.com with the subject "Hey Jackie! Meet this Cupcake Baker!"