Finding My Courage Through Cupcakes

August 21, 2025

My baking journey started back in 2010, simply as a hobby to keep myself busy. Armed with a cookbook, I dove into cakes, cupcakes, and pies. Over time, I took a class in Austin, TX in 2017 where I learned the art of American buttercream—how to make it smooth and beautiful on cakes. That class sparked even more excitement for me, and soon I was baking for family and friends: birthdays, anniversaries, even weddings.

In 2019, life shifted. A job promotion meant more travel, and baking naturally slowed down, though I always found time here and there for loved ones. By 2022, another promotion took me to a new state. Baking became my way of staying grounded while exploring a new place, and it eventually introduced me to new people through a friend’s birthday party. That moment reminded me how much joy I found in sharing my desserts with others.

Thanks to a friend in IT who helped me set up my LLC, website, and business accounts, I began to take baking more seriously. I had the tools, the pages, the photos—yet one thing held me back: fear. Fear of stepping out of my comfort zone. Fear of being judged.

But this past weekend, I faced it.

I set up my very first pop-up at Lake Merritt in Oakland, CA with four dozen cupcakes in flavors like lemon zest, Biscoff cookie, strawberry shortcake, and chocolate. It took me a long time to work up the courage, but I’m so glad I did. People stopped by, smiled, tried my desserts, and purchased cupcakes. The nervousness faded into pure excitement.

For me, this isn’t just about selling cupcakes. It is about stepping into something I’ve dreamed of, even with the anxiousness that comes along with it. I left the pop-up feeling grateful, energized, and ready for more.

Now, I’m looking forward to the next one! If you have suggestions for where I should pop up next, I’d love to hear from you. This is just the beginning of my journey—and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.

Baked with love,

Tomeka / Lavender Bliss Bakery