The families who trekked across our country 175 years ago to come to Oregon displayed a pioneering spirit that lives on in entrepreneurs to this day. It takes an adventurous side to pour one's heart and soul into a business, watch it grow and know that people depend on that business for their own livelihood, not to mention your own. It takes guts, passion and a little daring. And in some cases, a bit of sugar.
Anjelica Otness opened Fat Cupcake in Oregon City a little more than five years ago. In that time sales have exploded and her business has grown to a second location and then a third. She's now selling around 1,500 cupcakes a day to a hungry clientele who crave her sweet and savory creations.
"Fatricia" walks the bakery's pet fish.
Equally amazing as her cupcakes is the seemingly endless supply of ideas Anjelica has. She is always coming out with new flavors and combinations, creating new cupcakes that are as tasty as they are beautiful. Her experimental side is nothing new, as she has loved dessert, and coming up with new sweet eats, since she was young. "I've always loved dessert and experimenting with it. Even if there was a dessert I didn't like I would figure out a way to enjoy it. Maybe adding a cookie to something that was already super-sweet," she said.
Like any true creator, Anjelica draws inspiration everywhere. The ideas aren't always hers either, she loves accepting suggestions from her staff and even customers. Some of her favorite creations have started out as ideas from customers that she's then combined with other ideas to create something new and amazing.
"We have our sinful cinnamon roll and one time a customer said we should add some bacon to it. So we did and it was great!" she said.
In addition to her creative spirit, Anjelica says her family has been a huge part of her success. Anjelica's sister actually runs the social media for Fat Cupcake, and all of her family is pitching in. They'll play along with the antics of "Fatricia," who is Anjelica's cupcake-clad alter ego.
Angelica credits her family's support as part of her inspiration. Here she shares a moment with her father.
In a lot of ways, Anjelica's staff are like another family. Either in the shops or in fun photos and videos on Facebook and Instagram, the team is sure to be having a good time. Angelica and staff joke around, they sing and dance. And sometimes, the employees seem to be the ones in charge.
"I want it to be a fun place to work, and I think it's all a reflection of who I am. I love dancing, I always want to be dancing. Sometimes the manager of one of the locations has to tell me to stop dancing and get to work."
Fat Cupcake's Oregon City location is easy to find on Molalla Avenue across from the Post Office. Your taste buds will thank you.
