Just Two Sisters and Some Cupcakes

Have you ever heard of Georgetown Cupcake? How about the flavor Lavender Earl Gray Teacake or Butterscotch Waffle Cone or Reindeer Munch Crunch? While some of the cupcake names are fancy, notice that the store name isn't - nor is the product, really. They sell cupcakes - In Georgetown.

The two sisters who own and run the bakery are Katherine K. Berman and Sophie K. LaMontagne. Both had careers prior to starting Georgetown Cupcake, but realized that baking was their true passion. That passion translated into small business success when it became a Washington-area destination. Since opening the original Georgetown Cupcake, they have since expanded to Los Angeles, New York City, Boston, Atlanta and Bethesda, Maryland.

The sisters have been written about in numerous articles and major publications including The Wall Street Journal and USA Today. They've been featured in magazines and on television programs such as The Oprah Winfrey Show, and The Martha Stewart Show. They also have their own cookbook: The Cupcake Diaries. If you don't live near one of their locations or don't want to bake your own cupcakes, no problem. They'll be glad to ship some to your home. That would be one sweet delivery!

Activity: What is a product you might like to produce and sell? Like the sisters, how could you make a product you think is "ordinary" distinctive? Brainstorm how you could create interest in it. What would your target market look like?

These are basic elements of business planning. Let's see what you come up with. Who knows, you could dream up something that is a huge success. If so, you can reward yourself with a treat from Georgetown Cupcake!