Kingston Minicakes, as the word suggests, are on the smaller side; nonetheless, they are sinfully delicious with every bite. And the moist cakes, complemented by fresh frosting, are guaranteed to tantalise your tastebuds.
Ramona Phipps-Porter and Angella Blair, are the young masterminds behind the little scrumptious treats. Both young women had a passion for the sweeter things in life from an early age, which was revealed when they met three years ago. The women said they met through work and have remained friends ever since. Phillips-Porter, the more outspoken of the two, told Food that after they realised they both liked pastry they 'knocked' heads and decided to venture into a business.
"We decided to do cupcakes because it was new. So last October we began baking and selling from home, and so far the response has been great," said Phipps-Porter.
Initial temptation
The entrepreneurs said that one of the reasons why their cupcakes are so good is that they do a lot of research and alter recipes making them into what they want them to be. They also noted that, at first, they would eat a lot of the cupcakes when they finished a batch but thankfully they have overcome the initial temptation.
The women said they get a lot of support from family and friends. Recently they have been getting requests from school parties. They also cater for birthday, bridal showers, baby-shower parties and corporate events or just for individuals who are craving a decadent treat.
Both graduates of University of the West Indies, Phipps-Porter has a degree in management studies and Blair a tourism hospitality and entertainment management degree, still have full-time jobs. However, this does not stop them from making the sacrifice of baking at nights after work or on weekends.
"Everything is done to order and some nights we might be up until 2 a.m. But, thankfully, most orders come in on the weekends and each order must be made 24 hours in advance," said Phipps-Porter.
The women noted that while joggling a full-time job and their own business is challenging at times, their aim is to press forward. "Our goal is to open a store in two years time or before," notes an optimistic Phipps-Porter.
"And to be able to operate the business full-time would enable us to stop working for others and to do something that we are passionate about," added Blair.
Currently their greatest challenge is time.
So far their red velvet with cream cheese frosting is a favourite. Other flavours includes: mocca espresso, chocolate, vanilla, banana and carrot, banana, coconut rum and raisin and the recent addition, black forest. Kingston Minicakes also caters to vegetarians, who can enjoy flavours such as carrot, banana, vanilla, and chocolate. And all these delicious goodness at the affordable price range of $1,500 to $2,400 per dozen.
For more information visit: www.kingstonminicakes.com; or call 438-5257 or 410-2139 check them out on Facebook.
By: Keisha Shakespeare-Blackmore, Gleaner Staff Reporter
