One month and still going strong!

The Painted Cupcake has officially been opened for one month! I feel a bit like the donut man..."time to make the (cupcakes)." Every morning I wake at 3:45 ready to start my day. The crazy thing is I have NEVER been a morning person, until now. It's so fabulous to be up and about so early. By sleeping until 6:00 AM, I never realized all that I was missing . Of course, bedtime come much earlier for me. By 9:00 PM I am out COLD!

With one month behind us, we've had to make a few changes to our hours of operation; opening a little later-9:00 AM and closing a little earlier-5:00. And I am sure we'll still have a few adjustments to make. Overall, this has been a wonderful experience, and we only hope to increase our exposure in the Nashville market.

Off to bed for now!

Busy week for The Painted Cupcake!

All feedback thus far, both positive and constructive, is greatly appreciated. My amazing staff and I work hard (harder than anyone might imagine) to put out a great selection of cupcakes that are wonderfully delectable!

Just in case you didn't know, our cupcakes are made from scratch daily, using only the freshest ingredients available. Our strawberries, cherries, and bananas are purchased at the local Farmer's Market. And our frostings are made from real butter, real vanilla, and sugar. And yes, our fantastic ABBA JAVA coffee is roasted in Franklin, TN-all for a great cause. www.abbajava.org

Now that we have one week behind us, I've made a list of things to improve for week two. First-organization of our tiny, tiny, tiny kitchen. When you can't go out, go up! We hope to install shelves, and bring in a few more work tables. We'll see if that works. We're also working to have more flavors. For the Art Crawl this past Saturday, we were able to offer-carrot, banana with chocolate, caramel, or cream cheese icing, strawberry, mint chocolate, and the usual suspects.

Stunned and Stoked---

Stunned! I am absolutely stunned and stoked with reviews already coming in on the look and taste of The Painted Cupcake. The newly formed staff only started working together Monday, July 6. And I have to say, I am pretty darn lucky to have such talented ladies. Considering not all of the staff has a baking background, we've put out some pretty amazing cakes over the last 2 1/2 days. So hold on to your hats, as we continue to try new flavors, and get a more predictable menu. Which is expected to be out Monday and ready for the taking. Note to self...never ever put heavy objects on top of the fridge. Regardless of space restrictions, or other circumstances! D- I hope your headache is gone and the goose egg has gone down. So sorry... :(

First Full Day of Business!

After several weeks of running from my day job to my remodel job at The Painted Cupcake, we have finally finished our space and opened our doors for business. Today was the first full day of business and what a day it was! I am happy to report we sold about 280 cupcakes (and that was mostly through word of mouth advertising and passer-bys). Not to mention...the space looks absolutely amazing and is quite a draw to traffic, which I am sure helped to boost business. I'll be sure to post pictures soon.

Now for the fun part... While finishing dinner at Demos', the server mentioned we should check out the new cupcake shop on 4th Ave. Before he had a chance to lift my enthusiasm even more, David quickly responded-we're the owners. Too bad I wasn't able to get the whole story from his perspective, but amazing to know our whereabouts has spread so quickly.

Another Day in the Life...

Lots of construction going on in shop. Needed a break from painting stripes, so I thought I would buy my canvas to paint the Grand Cupcake. The canvas is 48X60, and will hang on the 12.5 tall wall. All seemed like a good idea until I got to the car and could not get the canvas to fit. I pushed and shoved and even got one of the guys there to help. Not gonna happen, I thought to myself. So the nice helper suggested tying it to the roof. Not sure if you've ever bought canvas, but it's not too sturdy. At least not sturdy enough to survive my driving. Ended up shoving the canvas in the back with the seats laid down. Still wasn't perfect, but I didn't have to worry about it blowing off the top and hitting another car. Can you imagine getting clobbered by a 48X60 canvas??? That would not be good.

The Ghost Across the Street-Hope He Likes Cupcakes...

Taking a break from painting and cleaning, we noticed several people gathered across the street snapping pictures and looking up at The Southern Turf building, a quaint four story building built in 1895. As it turns out, there's supposedly a ghost named Ice Johnson. Ice was the manger of the building and saloon. When the saloon was closed in 1916, Ice shot himself in the head, dying instantly. He left behind a note stating he would rather die than ever leave the building. Since that time, he's been seen dashing from window to window, scaring away would be tenants. Over the years he's learned to respect visitor's to the building, and till this day can still be seen looking out his third story window.

Hmm. Don't be surprised if you see an Ice Johnson cupcake on the menu...

Read more about Nashville Ghosts-
http://books.google.com/books?id=PsZNX_HnGmcC&pg=PA24&lpg=PA24&dq=southern+turf+ghost+nashville+tn&source=bl&ots=0TCYZ2_lYt&sig=NuoZwJmiIXII8Ahh2m7c8AzL0IM&hl=en&ei=x0NIStj2OYKltgfN0-SCBw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1

Down to the business of The Painted Cupcake. With the help of great family and friends, we got so much accomplished this weekend. Denise and Daniel Palma were so great to help us with painting. I wish you could have seen Daniel standing ON TOP of the ladder painting and dancing-in FLIP FLOPS!!! Not to mention, I've never seen someone paint wall after wall with so little paint. And If you're ever in search of someone to trim out, Denise is your lady! Thanks to you both for your help! Janetta Davenport is one amazing striper (not stripper)... Once I figured out how to make a 12.5 ft straight line using a laser level, things moved along so much faster and, obviously straighter... And I could not have done it without her help!!! After putting the first coat of paint on our display cabinet, I was not at all happy-too glossy/shining. Thanks to Angela York for coming downtown to help repaint with a satin finish. Much better!!! It's a good thing I am not in the painting of walls business. I would go crazy...okay...crazier...

Got the fridge, mixer, and several other gadgets in this week. And today the granite guys were there to install granite. Oven should be in early next week, and plumber and electrician will be there on Monday to do their part. Met with Jim from Sign Me Up today to go over details of signage. He's so creative and has lots of great ideas for the windows and sign. Got quite a bit painted Friday night-It looks fantastic!!! Things are really coming together. The Painted Cupcake is almost "done".

Keep Karma on Your Good Side...

Major roadblock today!  Worked with the kindest maintenance man ever-Cliff.  He was on top of everything and was able to get me back on pace.  All with a kind gentle smile.  THANKS CLIFF!  Landlord was also helpful in getting engineer to come over for inspection within an hour. I was impressed.  

While downtown tonight I got to see Mignon and her husband.  Two wonderful people.  Mignon has a fabulous shop in Germantown-The Cupcake Collection. The first time I walked in her shop I was so moved by the fact her whole family was there working and supporting her all the way.  Her cupcakes are very good, too! I especially love the marble cake with white/chocolate icing.  Not to mention, her prices are the most reasonable I've seen anywhere... Not sure how she does it.  

Painting alone...

This evening David stayed home with the kids (glad he was home because of the storms) while I worked at the shop painting the kitchen.  As it turns out, I got more done being there alone. Why does it always work that way?  Also got the HVAC working and draining correctly.  Thank the LORD!  And Precision Plumbing for helping me.  I was soooo stressed over the whole issue.  Can you imagine, five days into a new lease and possibly having to replace the HVAC.  That would have been horrible!!!  Glad it all worked out! 

Commercial fridge possibly being delivered Tuesday.  I'll be sure to snap a few pictures.  

New floor-still needs cleaning to get up glue and to be sealed. But on our way...

Going ons at 4th and Cupcake

We are getting closer to opening the doors to The Painted Cupcake! Today my biggest fan, David, worked tirelessly gluing down tile. He's truly the most amazing and talented man I know. I got to work on the leaky HVAC system-YUCK! several hundred years of fuzz, lint, and rust built up in the unit-double YUCK! The hazards of charming old buildings... No stopping us though, it's full steam ahead. Please continue to pass on The Painted Cupcake word to family, friends, and associates. 

The Painted Cupcake now has a phone number (no one there to answer it, yet-- 615-254-2263 {CAME}) I tried so hard to get CAKE, but sadly it was unavailable. Isn't it terrible what being off one digit can do...

Smile-eat a cupcake or two!

Taking a break...

Took a break today from working on the shop.  Kids have not seen David and I much since last Friday so we thought it a good idea to spent time with them.  It's amazing how children have a way of putting things/life in perspective.

Got antsy after everyone went to bed and decided to do a little painting...  Still working to perfect the artwork to go in The Painted Cupcake.  Getting closer...  

Late night rendezvous with The Painted Cupcake

Two nights running-hanging out late at shop.  So much painting and hammering.  On Tuesday I was able to make ALL equipment purchases.  I have a fabulous commercial oven, refrigerator, three compartment sink, amazing 20 quart mixer, pans, cans, you name it, and I probably got it.  Now the fun part...  Working with my wonderful younger brother to move the 550 pound fridge and other stuff.  He probably weighs 160 pounds, wet... But is very determined like me and will find a way!  David finished building the display cabinet tonight.  It looks beautiful!  Now it's time to paint it.  Granite guy came by to measure, and coke rep came by to discuss drinks.  One disappointment...  Tile guy stood me up, again today.  Time for new tile guy.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  Otherwise, David and I will take on that task.  Downtown evening traffic is much busier these past few days.  Hope it will stay that way. Otherwise, we'll back hours off to close at 6.

Thanks to the West End Home for Ladies!  I was able to pick up some great items at their Estate Auction.  Specifically the "hardly" used commercial fridge and I don't think ever used 20 quart mixer.  What a blessing.       Also enjoyed working with Miriam (kind and resourceful) at OLC-

Original Liquidation Center (615) 915-06 7 0  2190 Nolensville Rd Nashville, TN 37211

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  And I cannot forget Vicky at Courtyard Gate on Franklin Rd. She's helped me find great chairs, tables, and a few other odds and ins.  You should visit her shop!  It's amazing and she's such a talented designer and a great friend. 

Courtyard Gate Antiques

www.courtyard-gate.net

2504 Franklin Pike
Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 383-0530

The Painted Cupcake Comes to Life!

 Friday, June 12, 2009, I signed the lease for 2 Arcade/235 4th Ave N., Nashville, TN.    Before the ink was dry, we started ripping up carpet and painting walls. As you can imagine, the weekend flew by as we continued ripping, cleaning, painting and constructing. David has worked nonstop to build my bakery display case.  It looks super amazing and will be ready to template for granite tomorrow.  Glass man (Ted) stopped by late this afternoon to measure for glass, and plumber (Ralph Gregory) was in to check out space and make recommendations for placement of sinks, etc.   Thanks so much Denise for your excitement about coming to work at The Painted Cupcake! You will be such an asset.  As of right now, it appears things are falling into place.  I feel so very lucky and pray things will continue to be on track.  Our target opening date is Monday, July 6.  Mark your calendars!  Check out our Facebook pg for more pictures.Don't forget to follow our tweet at www.twitter.com/paintedcupcake