Our first cupcake interview with a bakery owner: Lori from Cupcakes in Vancouver

We are starting a new series of cupcake interviews, like the ones you've come to expect around here, but with owners of bakeries. We did already interview Warren Brown, the owner of Cupcake Love, and have more headed your way. If you're a bakery owner and would like to take our interview, email us at cupcakestakethecake at yahoo.com

My editorial comment on Cupcakes, today's interviewee, is that they have the yummiest, most tempting selection of cupcakes I've ever seen. I've yet to taste them myself but they are so playful and creative and lively - they certainly have cupcake flavors (like lemon poppy seed, mint condition and blue hawaii) you won't see anywhere else, so check out their fantasic site.


Name: Lori Kliman
Title: Co-Owner
Location: Cupcakes by Heather & Lori
1116 Denman Street
Vancouver, BC
V6G 2M8

When did Cupcakes open and why did you open it?

April 12, 2002. Why? Heather and I always talked about starting a business together and ultimately it all came together...we were working together in our last job, hated it and thought why not?

What role in the Vancouver bakery scene does Cupcakes play?

I really don't consider Cupcakes a bakery....more like a retail store. I think that is what sets us apart from other bakeries...the brand image and merchandise potential...and don't forget the yummy cupcakes!

Why do you think cupcakes are so popular with adults and kids today?

Our concept is to have everyone feel like a kid again! Keep it simple and fun!

Is there a typical Cupcakes customer?

Not really....kids drag their parents and grandparents in here and 20-30 year olds come in to check it out! Its fun and since we offer more than retail, the 20-30 year olds hire us to do their Wedding Cakes!

Do you do special cupcakes for holidays or special events?

Absolutely! That is the best time in here! It is all about the holidays! But of course, customers can order custom cupcakes and cakes all year round!

Do you get lots of wedding orders? What's the most wild/outrageous cupcake creation you've made?

Weddings are definitely a growing division of Cupcakes. The Mad-Hatter Cake is a really fun, non-traditional cake that is definitely wild and outrageous!

How often do you eat cupcakes?

Me? Sometimes not often enough and other times too often. It depends; we are now making cookies so I am sampling a lot of yummy cookie creations too.

What's the best thing about eating cupcakes?

The icing that gets left on the tip of your nose!

What's your favorite type of cupcake?

Mine? Definitely the caramella: Chocolate cake infused with Dulce de Leche caramel topped with caramel butter cream!

How do cupcakes compare/contrast to other baked goods for you?

I am a foodie, so I am also a huge CARB fan! French baguettes and croissants are my weakness!

Is there any innovation you'd like to see made to the cupcake that would improve it for you?

I think the best thing about cupcakes today is that they haven't changed! Don't fix what isn't broken!

What's your first cupcake-related memory?

Our 1st day opening...not knowing what would happen on day 2. I did not grow up with Cupcakes because my parents are European, so I always had these fancy layered cakes like Napoleons! Perhaps that is why I love cupcakes now so much....such a nice change!

What's the most fun you've ever had with a cupcake?

Now that is getting a little personal...

Any other thoughts on the topic?

It's not about Cupcakes....it's about being inspired and following your aspirations! Go out there and do it! Don't wait around for people to make changes for you...change things yourself! That is what I have enjoyed the most in the last 3 years....motivating and inspiring other young women to go out there and start that business!

Thank you for the opportunity!

Best of Luck,
Lori Kliman
Cupcakes by Heather & Lori

Comments

Anonymous said…
at my friends wedding last sat. they served delicious cupcakes topped with a little monogrammed cookie...they were awesome. i think the company was sweetimpressions.ca never seen anything like that.
Anonymous said…
OVERPRICED! Holy cow!! How stupid are people when they pay $3 for a silly cupcake? They are good - but not great - not much better than the old Duncan Hynes ones your good ole' mom used to maked.
Anonymous said…
I think the icing is not made with butter, it's just sweet with none of that dairy-fat richness to it. I have the disappointing realization every time i give them another chance that the cupcake is better than the icing, & everyone who appreciates cupcakes knows that's just not right.