“I make $75,000 a year baking cupcakes!”

“I worked in real estate for 10 years, and although I was successful, I wasn’t passionate about it. I’ve always been a foodie and I love cupcakes, so I started reading cookbooks, creating recipes and baking at home with the intention of opening a home-based dessert catering business.

“Most of my first clients were word-of-mouth referrals who wanted cupcakes for birthday parties, baby showers and small gatherings. To grow the business, I brought samples to corporate offices and event planners and posted photos of my cupcakes on social media.

“As the business grew, I needed more space to bake, so I took a workshop at the San Francisco Baking Institute to learn how to work in a commercial kitchen. I started renting space in one, then I opened my first retail location, Cupcakin’ Bake Shop (CupcakinBakeShop.com), in 2014. And now I’m about to open two more locations!

“I offer a variety of cupcakes and flavors, but the most popular are Key lime pie, cookiesand-cream and red velvet. I also offer vegan and gluten-free cupcakes.

“I market the business on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. I also run in-store promotions for people who sign up for our newsletter.

“Running a cupcake business is so much fun, especially because the customers are always happy when they walk into the store!

“Last year, the business brought in $500,000 in revenue, and I take about $75,000 a year as a salary. The money I make allows me to travel and take backpacking trips through Europe.”