Baked Blooms Creates Custom Cupcake Bouquets for All Occasions

We love to see what unique businesses are being created by Marin's many "mompreneurs". We recently interviewed Sarah Thongnopneua, whose business Baked Blooms creates amazing custom cupcake bouquets for all occasions.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.

My name is Sarah Thongnopneua. That's a long last name right! :) (my husband is Thai) I'm British but have been living in Marin for around 17 years now. I used to work in high-tech but left my job to stay at home and raise my kids. We have 3 young boys ages 10, 8 and 6 so when I'm not baking and decorating you will find me at a local baseball or basketball game!

How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I first saw the cupcake bouquets in England and I hadn't seen anything like them here and thought people in Marin would appreciate them. As my youngest started kindergarten I thought it was good timing to start my own business and launched Baked Blooms in Spring of 2016.

Baked Blooms operates under a CFO license from the county of Marin which allows me to make the bouquets out of my home kitchen. This allows me the flexibility so I can work my own hours and still get to spend time with my family; watch my kids play their sports, volunteer at their school etc.

What’s unique about your business?

The presentation of the cupcakes as a bouquet of flowers is really what is different and sets Baked Blooms apart from other cupcakes. Like a gift of flowers and cupcakes rolled into one! A lot of people mistake them for real flowers and I get a lot of lovely feedback from my customers who are pleasantly surprised that the cupcakes taste as good as they look which makes me happy!

Who are your customers and how do they order from you?

I have a whole range of customers. I've made bouquets for newborns up to 98 years old I think has been my oldest recipient! Cupcake bouquets are so versatile. I've made them for all kind of occasions from kids parties, baptisms, birthdays, graduations, teacher gifts, weddings, dinner parties, birthdays, thank you, get well … the list goes on.

At this time of year around the holidays the bouquets are popular as corporate gifts and office treats. Valentine's Day and Mother's Day are especially busy days of the year.

They are completely custom and customers can request any colors or flowers. They can also be personalized to incorporate names, ages or company logos. Customers have even requested to incorporate hand made fondant toppers of their pets!

The bouquets can be ordered via my website www.bakedblooms.com, by emailing sarah@bakedblooms.com or by calling (415) 378-5020 since we don't have a storefront. We can deliver too!

What's your favorite thing about making and selling cupcake bouquets?

I love how I've made hundreds and they all look different! So many colors and combinations that no two are the same (unless the customer requests that!)

Seeing people's reaction when they see them is very rewarding. I put my heart into each and every one and customer satisfaction is very important to me.

What do you love most about living and working in Marin?

I love the community. I've met so many friendly people that have become loyal repeat customers. I love how the local businesses all support each other and have helped me these first 18 months since I started Baked Blooms. And obviously the scenery; Marin is so beautiful and the nature all around is wonderful inspiration for my creations!

All Baked Blooms cupcake bouquets to date are posted on their Pinterest page. Or follow them on Facebook or Instagram @bakedblooms to see all the latest arrangements. For more info, visit www.bakedblooms.com.