Why Small Businesses Matter in Hartford: A Little Something Cake Studio

Why Small Businesses Matter

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Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community. The shop local movement spreads virally.

You're It A Little Something Cake Studio!

Three questions with Elizabeth Bolton, owner, and master of A Little Something Cake Studio.

Why did you start your business?

I started my bakery in 2009 because I felt our town needed an old fashion bakery and I believed that we had an excellent product to offer.

From the first day I opened my doors we were busy and everybody kept saying that it was "the smell" that was intoxicating. "The smell" meant something different to everyone; whether it was walking in the house after school to fresh baked cookies or the smell of apple pie at Thanksgiving. Even though I am not in my original location - it still is the one thing that everybody keeps saying, "the smell" is soooo good!

Best selling product or service?

I am located in an old industrial building and I love that I drive everybody crazy with whatever I am baking that day. We are now a made to order cake shop specializing in cakes, cupcakes, and cookies, We no longer have a walk-in bakery. The most satisfying moment is when someone picks up their cake and we are there to see the smiles and tears of joy when I deliver a wedding cake and the bride just looks at you and usually whispers  "thank you-I love it". It is not just cake we make- we help create a moment special for someone. We become part of the family. We work hard to make sure you are getting the best product we can offer in both tastes and looks.

Finish this sentence in regard to your business: I wish I could...

I wish I could...... have enough money to get the equipment I need to be more efficient than we already are, Sounds crazy!  I want a new commercial upright freezer and a stove, I currently do not have either, but boy, They sure would help so much!

There is only two of us and occasionally some angle hands from people in the building, but I really need some additional equipment to make our lives easier. I am sure you know that being a small business owner takes a lot of hard work no matter what you are doing, working capital is not easily accessible. The interest rates are incredibly high. I do not dwell on it though, we just keep chugging along because we love what we do. Everything comes in due time.

Beth Bolton on supporting LOCAL

I truly believe that the way to strengthen our economy is to support our local businesses. I purchase my alcohol from two great businesses- yes! they both provide goods for personal and bakery use. They are Jacob at The Wise Old Dog and Ian at Harvest Wine and Spirits. I buy my eggs locally from Hemmingway Dairy, I get my tee shirts from Dave at Fresh Ink, Any photography work I need- Amber Jones Photography is my go to. Flowers that I use for my cakes come from Sandy at A Special Place, If I am looking for a special cake plate or dishes for a photo shoot- Jenn at Blaze and Bloom is always there to step in. Need any website site help- Annisa at The Small Business Collective. I eat locally- I refer everybody to my fellow small business owners, keeping those relationships strong is what helps us all to survive. Sometimes I chuckle to myself because there are weeks that I do not even leave my zip code. 

A Little Something Cake Studio is located at 485 New Park Avenue in West Hartford. Call 860-586-8711 or visit them online here.

HamletHub thanks The Hartford for making this series possible and for supporting small businesses. Visit The Hartford online here.