We recently connected with Marlena Roe and have shared our conversation below.
Marlena, appreciate you joining us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?
I started brainstorming different names for a cupcake business and sharing them with my mother and a close friend of mine. None of them stood out. Many balled up pieces of paper getting tossed in the trash an frustration was on high. Then about three weeks later, I had a vivid dream of two cartoon images of cupcakes holding hands and I woke up like, Oh my God, thank you God! From that dream “Cupcake Connection” was born and my logo. When God gives you vivid dreams and speak to you it’s best to pay attention and follow His instructions.
Marlena, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
First and foremost, I’m a lover of God and His son Jesus Christ. I’m a 54 year old happily married woman to William Roe Jr., who supports me in all aspects of my life and I have three great young adults “Thomas, Nicholas and Brittany”.
I became interested in baking at a young age. I would watch my granny bake her delicious cakes for the holidays and for family members. I couldn’t wait to get the beaters to lick off the cake batter. In my previous story, I mentioned my mom getting me an “ Easy Bake Oven” for one Christmas. That was the best Christmas ever. I would make little cakes and chocolate chip cookies. What fun times. I guess you could say this is when my love for baking started but I did not pursue that part of my life until way later. Let’s say, 30 years later.
I decided to attend Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts for which I received my “Associate of Occupational Science Degree in Le Cordon Patisserie and Baking” in 2015. Prior to me graduating, I started working at a French bakery in Las Vegas for 2 years. What a wonderful experience that was before my sight began to fail me. I had to relocate back to California with family. All things came to a halt, until I decided that I would not allow the fact that I was losing my sight defeat me. I begin to teach myself how to use the oven by touch before my sight was completely gone and I started baking and selling tea cakes. I used dowels to guide me in making sure the dough was the right thickness. I was determined not to give up.
God blessed me by returning my sight back completely in my right eye but I’m still partially blind in my left, however His strength kept me going.
Later down the road, a wonderful dear friend of mine, asked me, “girl what are you doing with your baking?” Then shortly after that question she said, “I don’t know what you’re about to do but she was about to do her and I can sit on my gift if I choose to.”
From that day forward, I got the necessary paperwork I needed and started my business.
I moved to Texas, after I got married 3 years ago and started my business here. I do popups throughout Austin and Round Rock, selling my delicious varieties of cupcakes. My best sellers are my “Peachy Pear Cobbler Cupcakes and Strawberry Dream Delight Cupcakes”. All are delicious but those are the top 2.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
When I became blind, I couldn’t work in a bakery anymore. I tried my best to stay where I was employed but my sight got worse. It was my dream to become a Head Pastry Chef for one of the many Hotels in Las Vegas but reality hit when I realized that would not be possible. There I was with a degree in the field I wanted to pursue with no vision.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
After moving back to California, I faced some difficulties but I would not allow all hope to be lost. I still continued to do some baked goods and my son, (Nicholas) was there to help with the greater portions. It’s a blessing to have family supporting. I truly believe that if you don’t give up when trials and tribulations come, anything is possible with God’s strength and His guidance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cupcakeconnectiontx.com
- Instagram: cup_cakeconnection
- Facebook: cupcakeconnectionca
