Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/80373
HOW DID TOP THE CUPCAKE, EVOLVE? My name is Christina Do and I started Top the Cupcake in August 2011. I started my business after a great deal of publicity was generated from my cupcake blog (www.topthecupcake.blogspot. com). I have been fortunate to have been featured on a number of international cupcake blogs, such as Cupcakes Take the Cake, The Cupcake Blog and Cutest Food. I have also been featured in the Inside Out magazine and more recently, the Southern Gazette. In June 2012, my sister-in-law, Adelyn Siew, came on as my business partner to expand Top the Cupcake business range to include handmade crafts, such as the personalised dream apron and princess apron. Both Adelyn and I have full time jobs and Top the Cupcake is our way exercising our creative sides. I am currently working full time as a lecturer at Curtin University in the school of Business Law and Taxation and completing my Masters of Law at UWA. I picked up baking as a hobby at the start of 2011 and subsequently started my business, Top the Cupcake, in August 2011. I am a self-taught baker and decorator. Although, I never studied art, I have always loved to explore my creative side. Similarly, Adelyn has a PhD in architecture and now works full time in State Government. Craft and sewing is a hobby of hers and a fantastic resource that I couldn't resist tapping into to expand the business. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS SO APPEALING ABOUT CUPCAKES? Cupcakes have been such a craze in the United States of America with Sex and the City putting Magnolia Bakery on the map. Since then other famous cupcake chains have popped up anywhere and everywhere such as George Town Cupcakes who have also expanded into a successful television show, DC Cupcakes. Naturally, with time the cupcake craze has spread around the world and has finally hit the shores of australia. We think the cupcake craze has stemmed from the fact that they are so practical – no mess involved. Everyone can help themselves to a baked treat without having to dirty a plate, knife, spoon or even a napkin! Also, not to mention that cupcakes are super cute! Even a simply decorated cupcake with sprinkles is adorable. SHEILA JULY 2012 89