Cupcake interview with House of Sweets

Names: Michelle & Pasqualine Parparian (Mother/Daughter team)

Ages: 32 & 62

Location:
123 South Swinton Avenue
Delray Beach, Florida
Phone 561-276-7477
Fax 561-276-7458

Occupation: Owners of Vintage Clothing Boutique (House of Vintage), Vintage Style Bakery (House of Sweets) and Pin-up Production Company (Atomic Bettie Productions)

URL: www.myhouseofvintage.com, www.atomicbettie.com


Why did you decide to open a vintage clothing store and bakery?

We opened up the vintage shop because of our love of fashion. The bakery was opened after the shop because we had a retro kitchen inside the shop and thought cupcakes would be a good match.

When did it open and what are your hours?

We opened House of Vintage in 2003 and House of Sweets in 2006. Our hours are 12-6 Monday - Saturday.

Is there a typical customer?

We have customers of all ages in the shop. But, the kids love our bakery and candy shop.

Do most people shop at the clothing part of the store or the bakery, or both?

They shop in both, but mostly the clothing.

What do you see as the connection between your clothing and pin-up business and your bakery?

There is definitely a retro flair in all of the businesses. They all feed off each other. For example we use the clothing and bakery for our pin-up shoots. All the girls love shooting in the bakery, with a apron. Very 50's housewife.

What kinds of cupcakes do you offer? Do you plan to add in additional flavors or innovations?

We have Vanilla, Chocolate, Red Velvet and Coconut for cupcake flavors. Our Icings are all butter cream.

What flavors are most popular?

Vanilla and Chocolate

Do you like to color coordinate your outfits and your cupcakes?

For our photo shoots we love to match the icing color or decos.



You have special holiday cupcakes for Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. How elaborate do the holiday cupcakes get, and which holiday yields the most sales? Which is your personal favorite to decorate?

We have cupcakes for all special holidays. The most elaborate we have decorated the cupcakes is with authentic vintage pieces. It is fun to see the reaction of the clients. Valentine's Day and Halloween are our best sellers. Personal favorite is Valentine's Day.

We get asked this all the time, and since you trade in vintage and retro-inspired clothing, you probably have an answer to this. Do you think cupcakes are retro? Is the nostalgia factor what makes them so popular these days?

Yes, cupcakes are totally retro. It is an item that has never changed overtime. It is a classic which needs no alterations. Perfect from the time of creation back in day.

And now for some personal questions:

How often do you eat cupcakes?

Everyday usually!

What's the best thing about eating cupcakes?

The icing.

What's your favorite type of cupcake?

Vanilla.

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

Cupcakes are a little piece of heaven. Perfect size.

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

Cupcake on a stick or edible wrappers.

Do you bake your own cupcakes? Or (even better) have someone who bakes them for you?

We bake them ourselves.

What's your first cupcake-related memory?

My mother (Pasqualine) baking them in the kitchen when I was a child

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

Using them for photo shoots as props.

Do you have anything else to add?

We love your site and thank you for letting us be a part of it. Happy baking to all!