Cat cupcake cake, <i>Twilight</i> cupcakes and 50,000 cupcakes sold in a year by Classy Cupcakes in Vero Beach, Florida

I'm quoted in this article about Florida's Treasure Coast cupcake bakeries:

“I think it’s a good time for cupcake stores because of the economy, and I know that sounds funny,” said Debi Adkins, owner of Classy Cupcakes in Vero Beach. “But if you’re in a bad situation and you just want something to cheer you up, you can go to a cupcake store and in this economy people do need something that’s here to cheer you up.”

Adkins opened in July 2009 and sold an estimated 50,000 cupcakes last year.

One of Classy Cupcakes’ customers, 41-year-old Denise Finizio, visits weekly and said cupcakes are small, portable and fun, and bring back fond memories of childhood.

“It’s the fascination, and people wanting something different on the market,” Finizio said. “A homemade product makes such a difference, and I think people will always love sweets.”

People are excited about cupcakes and the businesses that produce them are evolving constantly, said Rachel Kramer Bussel, a sweets connoisseur who co-founded the blog Cupcakes Take the Cake in 2004.

“Cupcakes are still affordable for people and we’ve seen a few bakeries close, but I think we’ve seen even more open (nationally) everything from minis to higher end,” Bussel said. “It’s a tough business to be in, but also something people can put their own stamp on.”

The photos below are from the Facebook page of Classy Cupcakes - do make sure to check them out because there are SO many gorgeous ones, I had trouble choosing. And they're looking to hire a baker - click here for details. NO PHONE CALLS.