Why Small Businesses Matter
Shop small, do big things for your community
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 as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story!
You're IT The Cake Box!Four questions with Jordon Gregory, owner of The Cake Box.
Why did you start your business?
I'd been home with kids for 10 years and it was time to re-enter the workforce. Things had changed a lot since my last job in 1999 when my first child was born so I decided to do what I love and went to pastry school. Still not sure of my path, my husband and I started making custom cakes for friends and family from home and it turned out that he's an incredibly talented artist and a master with fondant. We took the leap and signed a lease and thought we'd also do cupcakes to help pay the rent. Almost 10 years later we now have the Westport location and are still at it!
Finish this sentence in regard to your business: I wish I could...
I wish I could spend more of my time advocating for small "mom & pop" businesses, retail in particular. It's getting to be exponentially more expensive to run a small business (and it's not just high rents, though we are incredibly lucky to have a fair and helpful landlord in Westport). I fear that small retail is going to become a thing of the past and the thought of losing that personal touch and the experience you get from these shops is truly distressing. A world of Amazon only shopping is not that far fetched. Independently owned shops and restaurants are an important part of the character of our communities.
Best selling product?
Our best selling product is still cupcakes! Sweet & Salty is a perennial favorite.
Do you use any local businesses to operate your business? Can you name them?
Over the years we have been fortunate to work with other local businesses. That shifts and changes as needs change, but to name a few: Tusk & Cup, 109 Cheese & Wine, Four Forks (Darien), Zumbach's coffee from New Canaan (we serve this in both stores), and Sarah's Wine Bar. We also donate locally to various schools and non-profits in town (one of which is Meals on Wheels). One of the things I like most about owning a local business is having the opportunity to be a part of this community of talented and hard-working people.
The Cake Box is located at 10 Bay Street in Westport (behind Design Within Reach). The Cake Box has a second location in Ridgefield. Visit the Cake Box online here.
The Cake Box nominates Field Trip Snacks!
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