We recently connected with Monique Robbins and have shared our conversation below.

Monique, appreciate you joining us today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

“I am exactly where I need to be for my healing, growth and awakening.” I created this mantra three years ago after challenging myself to define who I was. Not just as an individual or what people thought of me, but who I defined her to be. In 2017, I experienced the loss of youngest child as well as my purpose. With the challenge, I dedicated time to find me. Through this journey many things became clearer. The path of Pretty Little Cupcakes was clearer to view. I chose to include this mantra today because it’s been in the forefront for me as my business continues to flourish.

2018 Pretty Little Cupcakes, L.L.C. unofficially started. I say “unofficially” because it was just a hobby. I hadn’t even thought about pursuing “baking” as a career choice. My oldest son’s (Demari) football team needed to raise money for their upcoming football championship. The parents were tasked with selling thirty raffle tickets at $5 each. I decided to bake cupcakes to help fundraise. The support was so welcoming. I made the decision to continue to bake after the fundraiser concluded. I’ve always had a passion for baking. Whether it was baking cookies, brownies or boxed cake mixes. I was excited to bake. This “hobby” was an easy transition. My passion for baking was instilled in me at a young age. Thanks to my late grandma, Ceola.

I don’t think I would’ve wanted to start sooner or later; as certain experiences shaped my views on how I run my business. Starting out, much of my support was from my family and community. Support I don’t think I would’ve necessarily had earlier in my journey. I was working full-time for a local agency and an active volunteer for a local nonprofit organization, Madison’s Miracles. Baking took place during my spare time, (the weekends, after work, etc.). I grew up seeing both my mother and father, work full time jobs and manage small businesses of their own. I knew once I fully committed to running my own business, I would succeed. My community connections and having the opportunity to network helped my business.
My passion bloomed as baking became therapeutic. I realized the kitchen was my safe space, the bigger vision became clear. I remember my fellow Angel Mom’s (mother’s who have a baby in heaven) encouraging me to pursue my passion. From those moments, Pretty Little Cupcakes, L.L.C., officially began.

One thing I would like to do is continue my education, whether a culinary degree or baking certification. Although I loved being in the kitchen, my primary focus was education and human services, helping others. As I continue to grow, I would like to learn different techniques and essential skills needed to enhance my baking techniques. Furthering my education would allow the chances to explore the foundational methods of cooking/baking as well as practical experience involving discipline, business organization and time management.

Losing my youngest son, Parker, was life-altering. It changed the way I viewed life. His loss allowed me to appreciate life even the little things. Taking the time to actively working through my grief, made everything about Pretty Little Cupcakes, LLC. personal! “Healing is not a destination, it’s a journey we should embrace.”

Monique, 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?

My name is Monique Robbins. I am the proud mother of two sons. Pretty Little Cupcakes, L.L.C. was inspired by them. It is truly becoming a household name. All of our cupcakes are made with love and care in small batches to ensure freshness. We create both traditional cupcake flavors as well as signature combinations like banana pudding cupcakes. Each bite will leave you wanting more!

Whether it’s a birthday party, retirement, baby shower, or any occasion, we can help make the event special.

We love to support our community and thrive off of word of mouth. This is why we attend various community events such as neighborhood markets, awareness walks, etc.. What keeps me going is the passion I have for baking.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I AM RESILIENT. This is one of the affirmations I have on my mirror. My journey has shown that I continue to move forward dispute adversity. Losing my father this at the beginning of this year, broke me. This happened, 11 months after I lost my grandmother. How could I bake at a time where I lost two of my biggest supporters? I remembered my mantra, “I am exactly where I need to be for my healing, growth and awakening.” I knew then my father would want me to continue on.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Self-Doubt. While on this journey, I’ve learned to TRUST myself and my abilities. I would often look to others for validation and would shy away from critiques. I told myself, “I am capable of running THIS business”. With practice and dedication, I can achieve anything. I also had to understand that it’s okay to ask for help. I’ve met some amazing bakers. Many of them have become amazing mentors for me. I had to tell myself, it’s not a competition when you want to see everyone win.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.Prettylittlecupcakes.Shop/
• Instagram: instagram.com/plc_cupcakes
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/prettylittlecupcakesmc