MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

A little Something Bakery

Being a new business in town, explain the decision to open in West Hartford.

I live in West Hartford and saw the   need for a local bakery. After working for 25 years in the retail industry, I began taking classes at the CT Culinary Institute. I had never met people so passionate about their careers. I knew that this was something that I enjoyed doing and I was determined to make it  a business.  After finishing the program, I worked briefly at a local bakery, still learning the ins and outs. Two years later, I was ready to open my own place. West Hartford is a great home for my family and my business.

Every bakery has a specialty – What is a little something people shouldn't’t live without?

Our cupcakes fly off the shelves. We carry seven different flavors and feature a Cupcake-of-the-Month. Some sweet examples: March featured a “Carbomb” Cupcake made with chocolate and Guinness, topped with Bailey’s Irish Crème frosting to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Last month, customers enjoyed a “Strawberry Margarita” cupcake to start summer off right.

Cupcakes fit into the story of “A Little Something” Bakery. I would much rather have people enjoy a small piece of something delectable, than produce large quantities of “just average” desserts.Cupcakes make a great treat to bring home after work, a unique alternative to a traditional cake, and they also are small enough to be enjoyed guilt-free.

Opening a business in this economy and making it successful is an amazing accomplishment. Explain how you are able to continue to grow.

A Little Something Bakery strives to maintain that welcoming environment that will bring customers back party after party. We bake all of our treats on the premises and from scratch. We have perfected our recipes over time and are always looking for new and innovative flavors to bring into our bakery.

Recently celebrating our one-year anniversary, we have been able to plan using historical data. Looking at the past and understanding what worked and what needs to be improved on will help any business.

Park Road is a vibrant section of West Hartford. How have you been able to partner with neighbors to increase business to the area?

Park Road is the perfect mix of residential and commercial population. It has become a destination in town, due in part to the Park Road Association and their dedication to that area. We have partnered with Playhouse on Park to make sure their Valentines Day show was extra sweet. We have also worked with our neighbors, Hall’s Market, to pair our desserts with their ready-made dinners. A Little Something Bakery provides the Sisters of Saint Joseph with dessert for their annual pasta dinner. We are happy to partner with local business and see it as an opportunity to increase awareness and give back to the community.

A Little Something Bakery is a great example of an “Active” Chamber member. Explain the benefits of staying involved.

As a new small business owner, the Chamber enables me to network with other businesses in the area. Monthly networking events have helped reconnect me with old colleagues and introduce me to new people.  It gives my business a connection to the business community and that is key to success. I look forward to sponsoring the desserts at the Chamber’s 24th Annual Golf Tournament on Monday, September, 13th. Golfers and dinner guests will have to wait and see what flavor cupcakes we will be serving.  For more information about the Chamber's Golf Tournament,  Click Here  To learn more about A Little Something Bakery, visit: www.alittlesomethingbakery.com