ERIN – Local entrepreneur Amanda Wharton has opened her own business, Sweet Delight’s Cupcakery, to help aid in the costs of her post-secondary education.
Wharton had been having a hard time finding a job due to the pandemic and was trying to find a way to make money.
“I came up with the idea…of just starting my own cupcake business because it’s something that I’ve always loved to do, and I usually do it for my extended family every year for all our special occasions and I thought it would be really fun to do as a business.
“I decided to choose a cupcake business because it combines my two favourite hobbies which are baking and visual arts,” Wharton said. “They are all homemade, and I’ve spent countless hours trying to perfect my own recipe.
“I tried to think of a name that would cater to what I present, and I think Sweet Delights is a great phrase to describe my cupcakes.”
Wharton said when starting up her business, she decided the best way to interact with customers and have all of her photos displayed would be on social media.
She added, with the assistance of her friends and close family helping to share the word of her new business, the response and support for the community has been really positive so far.
Wharton explained some of the challenges of starting her own business, which included a lot more work than anticipated.
“It’s a lot more unexpected costs and just things you have to manage and organize,” she said.
“I’m just trying right now to find the most efficient way to do that so that it doesn’t take up all my time.
“At the beginning I was in my kitchen from like nine in the morning until three at night to get everything done.”
Wharton explained to place an order, people can go to either the Sweet Delight’s Cupcakery Facebook or Instagram page where the menu can be found.
From there, customers can send a message and place their order.
For residents living in the Village of Erin, free delivery is available.
Delivery fees vary for individuals living in surrounding areas. Pick up is also available.
Looking to cater to as many people as possible, Wharton also offers vegan and dairy free options.
At this time, there is no gluten free option available, but Wharton said she is looking to offer it in the future.
Wharton said she’s planning on continuing the business when she heads back to school in the fall.
“It’s been quite successful so far so I think going forward I may continue it while at my house at Western (University),” she explained.
“I think it will be beneficial because I have a lot of people from London reaching out to me right now asking if I’m going to be in London.
“I think they’re excited for that, so I’ll hopefully continue it. It will be something to do on the side.”
