In this month "Let's Talk", I get up-close-and-personal with the owner of Nora Cupcake Company of Connecticut, Carrie Carella.
If you know me at all, you know I love NoRA Cupcake Company. Everything about the business from the owner Carrie, who is a fantastic person who gives back to her community and always has a bright smile on her face, to the rock and roll decor of the cupcake bakeries, to the fabulous hot pink and black cupcake truck that shows up at weddings, local farmer's markets and charitable events. NoRA CupCake Company is my happy place.
Nora, which stands for North Of Rapallo Ave (Middletown Connecticut), is the brain child of Carrie Carella and Phil Ouellette. Phil, owning Eli Canons a Rock and Roll-inspired Restaurant, and Carrie (his then restaurant manager) saw an opportunity to expand when a local landmark left the North End area of Middletown Connecticut. What started out as a spot for Eli's souvenirs (like hot sauces and Carries cupcakes that were sold at Eli's), had quickly turned into a cupcake only business. Carrie, a hobbyist baker, became the owner of NoRA Cupcake Company. A Rock and Roll inspired cupcake Eatery and Bakery. The signature cupcake, the Irish Car Bomb (Guinness infused chocolate cake and Baileys Irish Cream butter cream topping) took Connecticut by storm, quickly making NoRA cupcake Company the next landmark location. Vegan and gluten free options sit side by side with the decadent and addictive creations made in house. There truly is something for everyone. Bacon, Blueberries and even Blue cheese have graced the shelves of this skull clad Bakery, but don't be fooled by the Rocker decor, NoRA cupcakes are also featured desserts at weddings and fashion events. Edible gold and rhinestone like detailing makes these cupcakes, "Fashionably Cutting Edge".
Similar to the black and hot pink cupcake truck that makes its way to local farmers markets , weddings and college campuses. In March, food critic and You Tube sensation Daymon Patterson bought a NoRA cupcake to Rachel Ray on the set of the Rachel Ray Show. Patterson, being from Connecticut, is a NoRA Cupcake Fan.
As Carrie settles into her beautiful second location in West Hartford Connecticut, we hear there's plans for a third location and a new bigger Bakery Kitchen. From 12 employees to now more then 30, we took a day trip to the West Hartford location and asked Carrie for some insight on this journey as one of the East coasts predominant and prosperous cupcake companies.
How did you come up with the name of your business?
"NoRA" stands for North of Rapallo Avenue. We wanted to name the bakery after the neighborhood we were opening in. Phil (owner of Eli Cannons Middletown Connecticut) came up with the neighborhood name, I simply called the bakery after that.
What was your original inspiration?
I loved baking and knew I wanted to own my own business someday. When the space across the street became available, the timing just seemed right. I had been running Eli Cannons for some time so moving across the street wasn't as scary of a step as opening a business where maybe I didn't know anyone.
What challenges have you faced in this process?
The typical things like equipment malfunctions, hiring and training staff, and navigating through emails. But honestly the challenges are the motivating part. If it was easy, everyone would do it. I don't understand entrepreneurs that complain about being busy or working too hard. Isn't that why we work for ourselves? If you don't want to work hard for yourself, how can you expect others to?
What advice would you give to new comers?
Be open to possibilities, opportunities, and change. What you may have in mind when you first start something, will most likely take on its own path no matter how hard you navigate it. Be flexible.
What awards or recognitions have you gotten?
We have won *Best Cupcakes in Connecticut /Hartford poll and CT Magazine, *Best Food truck in Hartford Magazine, *Ranking in both The Daily Meals top 101 Cupcakeries in the country and *Spoon University's top 8 cupcake shops in the northeast.
What future goals do you have for your brand/business?
Continue our brand and product creativity. More fully develop a positive, fun, inspiring work environment for the employees, and to weave ourselves more into our local communities by means of partnerships with other entrepreneurs and brands, and with community outreach.
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