Have you stopped in for a sweet treat at Buttercup Bakehouse since their grand opening this summer? If you have not had the opportunity to satisfy your sweet tooth yet, there is no time like the present! Run by the young entrepreneur, Emily Cooke, a local gal and baker from humble beginnings, Buttercup Bakehouse is one of those businesses that you just want to support.
If you have been fortunate enough to meet this young woman, you know that she exudes sweetness, which is fit for a baker, but she also has grit. Emily has been growing her business over the past few years, diligently paying her dues and learning what it takes to make a business successful in these turbulent times. At the tender age of 24, she is now the proud owner of a thriving business and an inspiration to young folk in the community.
I had the pleasure of getting to sell alongside this wonderful human being this past summer and was a bit sad when her cupcakes were no longer present at our Saturday farmers markets, but I could not be happier for Emily. It has been a pleasure to watch her business grow and see her make the jump from selling her baked goods at the local farmers market to running a full-time shop. Because of this, I wanted to catch up and find out how she is doing since her grand opening and what she has learned on this journey of entrepreneurship.
Here’s what Emily had to say about Buttercup Bakehouse and being an entrepreneur:
How has been business been since your grand opening this summer? Are you seeing a steady flow of regular customers?
Emily: Since opening this past June, it has been great getting to watch business expand in the community and I have loved getting to know our frequent customers. I especially love when people come in and order “their usual” or chat with me because it shows the connections that the business has allowed me to build. The way in which we grow this business is always changing and adapting to what we see as the best fit for the customer. We have expanded our store days and hours to allow people more time to get some tasty treats, and we love adding new desserts to the menu at people's requests. We love hearing feedback from the community!
Do you have any special items on your menu for fall, such as the coveted pumpkin spice? Will you be highlighting any special dishes for the holidays?
Emily: To celebrate the fall season, we have already rolled out our pumpkin spice doodles, pumpkin pie and pumpkin spice latte. We love the pumpkin! For a look at our weekly menu items, customers can look at our Facebook page for a daily post to see what is available. Our Thanksgiving menu will be released this week which will include sweet potato pie, Apple stack cake, and pumpkin roll. Pre-orders for Thanksgiving will be accepted this week through November 15. We now offer gift cards as well, which would be a great gift for the upcoming holidays.
Twenty-four is very young to own a business. Can you share any advice on the struggles and ways in which you have overcome obstacles for young aspiring entrepreneurs in our community?
Emily: Owning my own business is a lot of work. I’m blessed with this opportunity and with a lot of support. I don’t think I’ve been a business owner long enough to be giving out advice. I’m still learning along the way and have a lot of good friends and family to help me with my own questions.
Is there anything you would like to share about yourself or your bakery with the community?
I am one of seventeen grandchildren and I grew up spending a lot of time with all of my siblings, grandparents, uncles and aunts, and cousins, which made me greatly value my family all the more. My family plays a big part in my business and they have all been extremely supportive and helpful since opening. My sisters, Ellie and Maggie, work with me at the bakery and help with baking and decorating. My sister Maggie also designs all my signs and shirts. My cousin, Slone, is one of my biggest supporters and comes in to see me just about every day we’re open. She highly recommends the chicken salad sandwich. All my little cousins help by being my taste testers. My parents are a huge help to me as well, and help me with the business side of things.
Can you share a fun fact you have learned while growing your business?
I have learned that people love to support small businesses and that being in a small town has a lot of perks.
Make sure to pull up and try some delicious fall flavors, grab lunch, or pick up a gift card for a loved one the next time you are driving down Maynardville Highway. Buttercup Bakehouse is located just past Horace Maynard Middle School, across the street from the Mobile gas station. It shares a building with FarmHouse Décor & More. The bright orange bows decorating the pillars in front of the door will ensure you don’t miss it from the street. They are open Wed-Fri 7 a.m. to 5p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3p.m.
For more information, visit on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/cupcakingandbaking. To place a special order, contact Emily at 865-745-2953