MAD LOVE MONDAY | Tanya Nafe

I am the owner of Sweet Bouquets Cupcakes in Edmonton. I specialize in floral cupcakes and cakes. There are a lot of bakers in the Edmonton area but I am proud to say that I am the only baker who specializes in floral cupcakes to this extent. I created the company because I love gifting baked goods to friends and family and what is better than receiving a beautifully designed flower arrangement that you can eat?

Photography by: Claudine Lavoie Photography

As a child my mother would bake us the coolest cakes. I grew up counting down the days until I could choose a cake from her cookbook for my birthday. And as I grew older, I started sharing her love for baking by treating my friends to cakes and puff pastries on a regular basis. It became my way of showing people I care for them. It grew into a business where customers know when they purchase cupcakes from me, it’s been made with love and they can gift it with love to someone else.

I believe in coming from a place of yes and kindness.

And that is how I run my business.

I want each and every customer to feel they are not only valued but appreciated for supporting my dream. When they knock on my door and leave with cupcakes or cakes, I want them to leave feeling happy. I have been blessed to have customers become friends and I hope to continue not only growing my business but my amazing group of friends as well that have blossomed out of this business venture.

As my company continues to grow, I’d like to focus more on teaching. I would love to see more people create stunning floral creations to continue spreading joy with cupcakes. Now that I have built a solid business, I’d like to place more focus on turning my business digital with online tutorials and videos. I am in the process of creating a paid Facebook group that will be a community for bakers of all backgrounds and skill levels to come together, learn from each other and encourage each other to build strong, solid businesses.

I absolutely love being an entrepreneur. I am solely in control of where I take my company. I can grow it as fast or as slow as I need, in the direction I feel is best for myself, my family and my company. Being able to work for yourself is such a freeing feeling and Having my kids look up to me Can’t even be put into words. For them to see what you can create with hard work and your hands is a life lesson they can’t learn anywhere else.

There were times when I started where I wondered if I’ll ever sell a bouquet or cupcakes. Whether people would even pay what I charge. I had a constant battle of feeling like I’m charging too much but also worrying that I’m selling myself short. But my husband constantly reassured me I have to believe in my product and it would speak for itself. And that has absolutely been the case. It’s one thing to be able to create a beautiful cupcake but I needed people to love the taste as well. And I have been fortunate that my tried and true recipes not only look good but tastes just as amazing as it looks.

I have been fortunate to be able to grow a consistent Instagram following that has not only given me international recognition but also brings in local orders. Instagram and Facebook has been a huge part in me not only receiving orders from the States but also student who fly in for one on one lessons. As my company continues to grow I will now be turning to YouTube and Pinterest to continue growing a wider audience.

Balancing work and life is a bit of a challenge. I have 3 children ages 11,9 and 8 with a husband who works in Texas, USA. So finding the time to juggle mom, wife and business owner can get a bit tricky and I would be Lying if I said that some days I don’t lose my mind. It’s a fine line that I walk but I enjoy every minute of it, even the late nights, early mornings and late school pick ups (sorry kids). Gym time for me is must, it’s where I shut off my phone, blast some music and just focus on strengthening my body and mind.

I base my work around the gym as it’s an important part of helping me stay sane.

I am looking forward to connecting with like minded women who have a drive to push themselves and other people around them to higher grounds. Being able to have a tribe of women who not only wants to see you succeed but also what’s to be a part of helping you reach your goals is what society needs. Women lifting up other women so we can all be successful.

Tanya Nafe | Sweet Bouquet Cupcakes
instagram.com/sweetbouquetscupcakes
facebook.com/sweetbouquetscupcakes