Cupcakes on Wheels: STACE OF CAKES Cupcakery

Company Name: Stace of Cakes Cupcakery

Owner: Stacey Reece

Company Phone Number: 609-424-6670

Company Website: http://www.staceofcakes.com/  
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stace-of-Cakes/133169093368613

If you're in the mood for a sweet and savory treat that won't burn a whole in your wallet, look no further than Stace of Cakes Cupcakery. At Stace of Cakes Cupcakery, they take pride in offering all sorts of cakes and cupcakes to the community at affordable prices. Their cakes are specially made to your liking. Ladies and gents, Stace of Cakes is not hard to find. The Stace of Cakes Cupcake Truck makes stops throughout Downtown Trenton between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. They also plan to have a grand opening at their Willow Street location (11 N. Willow St., Trenton, NJ) in the very near future, so Anwar's Reflections will be sure to keep you up to date on that as new developments arise. Below you will find a copy of Anwar's Reflections exclusive interview with the owner of Stace of Cakes, Stacey Reece:

AGS: First off, can you tell our listeners out there a little bit about your business?

  

My business started after a friend of mine encouraged me to start a cupcake truck business, after I did her son’s Confirmation cake. The idea seemed far-fetched at first, but after doing the research, and with my husband being laid off, we decided to give it a shot! So we decided to put a truck full of cupcakes on the streets of Mercer County viz. Trenton. The response has been great.

AGS: What is your background? 

 

My mother was a great baker, and I was her “sous- chef” growing up from the time I was 9 years old. I would grease all the pans, sift the  flour, and cream butter by hand . Tedious …..yes, but I loved doing it! Then I was allowed to work on my own baking projects. So though I may not have an official culinary degree, the many years of working in my mom’s kitchen have given  me the tools to be successful in the kitchen.

AGS: Is this the first time you have owned and operated your own business?

 When I was younger, I would bake cookies, and sell them around the neighborhood.

So the answer to your question is…yes this is my first official business.

AGS: How long have you been open?

The Cupcake Truck was launched in September 2010 . The Stace of Cakes Cupcakery and Café will be open next month.

AGS: What motivated you to start your own business? 

Honestly, there were talks at my husband’s job about upcoming lay-offs, then once it was established that it was going to become a reality, I no longer had a choice. I also felt like there was no other cupcake truck in New Jersey, and I knew that I could come up with really great recipes. So with those two ideas to work with, I decided to give it a shot. I researched the science of baking, tested many recipes, and turned my friends into “guinea pigs.” The feedback was awesome! So then I wanted everyone to try them. Once I’m fixed on an idea or project, I work really hard on accomplishing the task at hand.

AGS: Where did the name Stace of Cakes Cupcakery come from? 

The name was just a spin on one of my favorite cake design shows on Food Network ~ “Ace of Cakes,” with my first name being Stacey, and many of my friends  already calling me Stace as a nickname, I decided I was  going to call myself Stace of Cakes

AGS: In your own words, what makes your business unique?

My cupcakes, and products are made with the finest ingredients (Valrhona chocolate, imported spices, Madagascar Bourbon)  love, dedication, and passion. I do believe this is my formula for a unique, and one of a kind product.

AGS: Did you face any challenges when launching your business? If so, how did you overcome those challenges? 

Anytime you have to depend on the services of others, there will be challenges involved. However, I am believer of things always have a way of working themselves out, and patience is indeed a virtue. So I have learned to take everything in stride, and not to etch deadlines out in stone.

AGS: How do you advertise or promote your business?

  

My main source of advertising has been “word of mouth,” social networking media, such as Facebook, and Twitter.  I also have a website, which some people have found through “googling.” (http://www.staceofcakes.com/)

AGS: Have you taken advantage of internet marketing at all? If so, how effective do you think this advertising method is? If not, how interested are you in learning more about internet marketing? 

I have not done any internet ads, but basically used the business’s Facebook page to promote day to day happenings, and the upcoming Grand Opening of the Cupcakery. I feel as if Facebook has been tremendous, because I can use my Blackberry to send updates about what’s going on with the business. People can then call, text, and email their orders. This in my opinion is priceless.

 AGS: Being that you're an entrepreneur yourself, what advice, if any, would you give an up and coming entrepreneur that wants to succeed? 

My advice is to have a dream, be realistic about it, research what other successful people in the field have done in the past, check your competition out, have someone to share this journey with, and most importantly try to be the best that you can be in your industry, and pray!!

AGS: Is there any one piece of advice you would give to anyone thinking of opening their own business? 

 Always save for rainy days, always have a smile on your face, and just work hard, because it always pays off! 

AGS: Will you give us another interview one from now so we can follow upon your progress?

 Without a doubt I will!!!!!!!

Thank you very much for your time. 

AGS is an acronym for the author and founder of Anwar's Reflections, Anwar G. Salandy. 

If You Don't Already Know About GHANDI'S POETRY SPOT, You Might Need A Little GPS

Event Name: Ghandi's Poetry Spot (GPS)

Event Founder: Uganda Prescott aka Ghandi

Event Location: 241 E. Front St., Trenton, NJ

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Ghandis-Poetry-Spot/101234173261574

Event Website: http://www.ghandigps.com

Phone Number: 609-638-3216 or 609-498-0123

If you're in the mood to have a great time and enjoy some positive vibes, then look no further than Ghandi's Poetry Spot (GPS). This bi-weekly event is held every other Friday at Cafe International, located near the Historic Mill Hill District in Trenton. GPS is an open-mic poetry event where everyone is invited to share their gifts and talents. Not only do you get a chance to perform if you are so inclined, you also get to enjoy great food and live music. The energy is positive and the people are great, you are sure to be both entertained and inspired. Ghandi's Poetry Spot is an event you don't want to miss. The founder of GPS, Uganda Prescott, more commonly known as Ghandi, was gracious enough to sit down with Anwar's Reflections and discuss the work he is doing with GPS. Below you will find a copy of the exclusive interview:

AGS: First off, can you tell our listeners out there a little bit about your business?

Well, GPS stands for Ghandi's Poetry Spot. I decided to throw my name in there just to let people know what I'm about. At GPS, we offer you everything from spoken word to live music. Its an open mic affair, so everyone is invited to participate and share their talents and gifts when they come. In the past, we have had violinists, rap artists, R&B singers, and comedians just to name a few. So, its a very eclectic mix. From my personal experience, the people that come always have nothing but positive feedback about their time here at GPS.

AGS: What is your background? Is this the first time you have owned and operated your own business? How long have you been open?

I have some experience with the music industry. I was an A&R for Supreme Alliance for a couple years, but I found that was not my cup of tea. I also have a background in modeling, but soon came to find out that this wasn't my cup of tea either. As the host of GPS, it is interesting because I found that I had no experience with hosting but I'm just a people person. I took those people skills and put in a pot and mixed it with other people's personalities and the outcome was beautiful. People have told me they love the performers, the live band, and the food offered by the Cafe.

In the past, I have actually had two poetry spots.I was running them simultaneously. On Friday's, I was in Burlington and found that people were coming all the way from Trenton to view the show. So, I said why not start something bigger in Trenton. We've been doing Ghandi's Poetry Spot (GPS) for three strong years on a consistent basis.

AGS: What motivated you to start your own business?

Well, I found that the city really needed a spot for poetry. There was really nothing to do in the city with regard to poetry and spoken word. So I thought about the law of supply and demand and said to myself 'why not supply what this city really needs?' The city needs a poetry spot where people share their talents and gifts through an open mic atmosphere. And from that date, GPS has been off and running successfully. It's been a lot of fun. Trenton has had some great times and I am confident that we can bring back that feeling.

AGS: Where did the name GPS come from?

I got the concept from the GPS navigation devices we have in our cars. I was thinking if you punch in the address 241 E. Front Street its going to bring you directly to the poetry spot, so I said let's name it GPS.

AGS: In your own words, what makes GPS (Ghandi's Poetry Spot) unique?

I think its definitely the vibe, there is a certain vibe, a certain energy to GPS (Ghandi's Poetry Spot). There's an almost homey feeling to GPS. We have a live band, delicious food, everything that makes for a good time on a Friday night. I think Trenton has a black eye, but I don't think Trenton deserves that black eye, there's a lot of beautiful things going on in the city. We offer the GPS every other Friday at Cafe International located on Front Street.

From my personal experience, I think the colorful mix of performers also makes you guys very interesting and unique as well. The GPS shows that there is a rich diversity of talent here in Trenton. Another great thing about GPS is that people from outside the city come to share their talents and enjoy the show.

AGS: Did you face any challenges when launching your business? If so, how did you overcome those challenges?

Trenton had a black eye for a long time. Some people think Trenton is nothing but trouble. As a matter of fact, a local defense attorney by the name of Robin Lord said, that the city has a bad case of 'gangaphobia' where everyone is afraid to come to the city due to gangs and crime. I think getting people to overcome that fear of coming to the city was a major hurdle, but I assure each and everyone out there that GPS is a safe show to go to. The cafe is well secured. Zero Tolerance Security does our security, and our establishment is very safe. They have been very helpful in making our customers feel safe and secure while at our show.

AGS: How do you advertise or promote your business?

A great deal of our advertising and promotion comes through people sharing their experience through word of mouth. However, we also have a street team that hands out fliers and posts them up at various establishments to get the word out about what GPS is doing.

AGS: Have you taken advantage of internet marketing at all? If so, how effective do you think this advertising method is? If not, how interested are you in learning more about internet marketing?

I have a 14 year old daughter that is a wiz with the computer. I'm not the greatest with the PC, but I think with the right team, anything can pop off and be successful. So, I would definitely like to explore internet marketing further. We do have a Facebook page and have found that it has been helpful in getting the word out about upcoming GPS events.

AGS: Being that you're an entrepreneur yourself, what advice, if any, would you give an up and coming entrepreneur that wants to succeed?

Make sure your heart is in it. Make sure you are consistent. We have been running GPS for three years strong on a consistent basis. So the idea is no matter what obstacles come your way, stay consistent. Keep your eye on the prize.

AGS: Will you give us another interview one from now so we can follow upon your progress?

Absolutely.

Thank you very much for your time.

AGS is an acronym for the author and founder of Anwar's Reflections, Anwar G. Salandy.

A Bookstore That Is Nothing Short of CLASSIC

Company: Classics Bookstore

Owner: Eric Maywar
Address: 117 S. Warren Street, Trenton, NJ

Phone Number: 609-394-8400

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=129424620065

Email Address: book_cellar@mindspring.com

 

 If you happen to be in the mood for a good read at an affordable rate, then look no further than Classics Bookstore located in the heart of Downtown Trenton. They not only offer copies of your favorite books, they also offer a great opportunity to meet and connect with some very interesting folks. From their book signings to their Scrabble nights, they are definitely a beacon of light in the city of Trenton. I invite you to stop by and check them out, trust me you won’t be disappointed. Below you will find a copy of Anwar’s Reflections exclusive interview with the owner of Classics, Eric Maywar:

AGS: First off, can you tell our listeners out there a little bit about your business?

 Sure, Classics is a used and rare book store but we spend a majority of our time doing community related stuff. We provide free books for Trenton kids. We let community groups meet here for free, which has been a lot of fun. We run a Scrabble night on Friday nights that goes till midnight. A knitting club was also started here. People expand their networks by coming here. People have received jobs simply by going here and conversing with others. In addition, we also do book fairs and book signings. The bottom line is that we do a bunch of things that go beyond simply selling books.

In 2009, we handed out over $4,000 worth of books to area kids through our Books at Home program. We work with distribution groups that help hand out books on our behalf. For example, the Columbus School, the New Black Panther Party, and the local police come to mind. They all came to Classics wanting to hand out books to local kids. We also had the organization, Children's Future, come out and give out books during the Puerto Rican Day parade.

We found studies indicating that young kids with a personal library at their home tend to do better in school and get placed in college. They’re more likely to graduate. We here at Classics wanted to help kids get access to these books. In my experience, various groups have contributed to the Books at Home program and we are grateful. For example, there was Capital Health Center, Wiedel Insurance, Black Rock Financial, and Hutchinson. As a matter of fact, Black Rock has a book club as well.

AGS: What is your background? Is this the first time you have owned and operated your own business? How long have you been open?

  

This is my first time I have owned a business. I taught in the past, and worked in market research. However, the corporate world was not fulfilling to me. So, I decided to try something different.

AGS: What motivated you to start your own business? 

Well, I'm a book-a-holic, I love books. But there’s also a story behind why I started Classics. Years ago my wife and I were going to Imani Community Church and they were trying to raise money to fix their roof. We ended up buying a whole host of books for $50 from a minister that was in a hurry to move. So we decided to sell the books as a way to help the church fix their roof. But we only ended up selling six. So we all had these books left, we then did flea markets, we then moved and put the books in our large basement. So we had 10 bookcases full of books. And we started inviting used book store owners over to our house. We played Scrabble together and had wine. They ended buying the books wholesale for their stores. So after a while, people started asking when are you going to open up your own business. So by accident, we started this business . I really enjoy owning a bookstore because I have really great conversations with the people that come in. It’s a lot of fun.

                            

AGS: Where did the name come from? 

My wife came up with the name. We had a store in New Hope, and the TDA recruited us and said that the downtown district needed a bookstore. First they wanted to set up a co-op where we have an antiques person, and an arts person along with our bookstore. So we needed to come up with a umbrella name for all those things. So my wife Donna said what about Classics, you can have classic artwork, classic antiques, and classic books. So we decided to use the name Classics.

AGS: In your own words, what makes your business unique?

 Our community focus makes us unique. None of these other bookstores have a ‘Books at Home program’. We really put an emphasis on giving back to the community.

AGS: Did you face any challenges when launching your business? If so, how did you overcome those challenges?

 Well, we were unsure how successful we would be. So we reached out to a market research company to help us better prepare. They were very helpful. Next the TDA (Trenton Downtown Association) made it very easy for us to come in on a trial basis and operate our business. They had things in place that made moving in very easy. For instance, they had reduced rent because there were three people in the building at the time, they had a façade grant, they offered to pay for some of the sign. So there were challenges but we had help so we made out okay.

AGS: How do you advertise or promote your business?

 Well, we don’t have a big marketing budget, but I have been very good at guerilla marketing which essentially involves no money on our part. At Classics, we realize that more people read articles than read advertisements. Since we do events, we inform the papers and if they think the story is newsworthy, they usually write about us. In addition, we’ve also used social media. For instance, we use Facebook and Twitter.

AGS: Have you taken advantage of internet marketing at all? If so, how effective do you think this advertising method is? If not, how interested are you in learning more about internet marketing?

Yes, we take advantage of Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc. Facebook has been helpful because it allows us to really start a conversation with the public and inform people about special events and promotions.

AGS: Being that you're an entrepreneur yourself, what advice, if any, would you give an up and coming entrepreneur that wants to succeed?

Do a good business plan and know what your assumptions are. Dont think its going to be easy. Do your research. Following a business plan will help you think about what you're doing in a very systematic way. Utilize your community resources. For example, in Trenton there are small business loans. In addition, there is a training program with Isles. CCRC also has low interest loans for potential entrepreneurs. There are places that will give you advice on your business plan. The TDA (Trenton Downtown Association) will help you with ribbon cutting, grand opening, site selection, mentoring, and advocacy.

AGS: Will you give us another interview one year from now so we can follow upon your progress?

Certainly, you can have another interview.

AGS: Thank you very much for your time.

AGS is an acronym that stands for the author and founder of Anwar's Reflections, Anwar G. Salandy