Doreen Nakama is a gangsta. She sets the bar for cupcake creativity, design, and execution. If you don’t believe me check out the flickr stream for her Los Angeles based business Little Sweeties Cupcakes. According to her, happiness in life is easy. Other than family and cupcakes, “It’s all about Wu-Tang and food.” RESPECT. Ducky and I got to catch up with Doreen and interview her about her flourishing business.

What are your goals for Sweeties Cupcakes this year?
To find a good kitchen for me and my hubby to cater out of (: We have our eye on some spots!

Favorite dish to cook?
Sushi & Tempura

What is your favorite baking blog?
I really like Bakerella (: Mini cupcake pops are super cute!

What is your favorite L.A. bakery?
I love Vanilla Bakeshop for cupcakes! And of course my auntie’s bakery Cake Sensations in South Pasadena!

What has been your most challenging order?
When I had to make 3 cakes and 100 cupcakes on the same day as my son’s birthday! I think because making cakes takes up a lot more time (: I love cupcakes. It’s my thing and I can pump out lots but throw a cake in and it’s a little harder. It’s still fun and I can always rely on April Miranda as my right hand for help with crazy orders. (: Thank you April!!!

Samoa Cupcakes

You offer a variety of flavors to order, which is your most popular?
Red Velvet for sure

Which is your personal favorite cupcake flavor?
Chocolate Raspberry

Do you experiment with new flavors often? If so, what influences those new flavors?
I think I experiment more than anything. I like to pull from childhood memories and ethnic flavors from all over. I want to do a Belizean Carmel Cake next.

What inspires your baking?
My hubby really pushes me to want to know more about food in general. He’s not a cake eater so when he’s impressed I’m happy! My friends who consume my creations inspire me as well.

We’ve seen an amazing array of custom designs from you, is there any limits to your specialty cupcake orders?
I don’t ever want to limit myself. I’ll attempt anything. Executing it is the question but I’m up for any challenge!

Your cupcakes are very detailed, how long does an average dozen custom cupcake order take to decorate?
I put my all into my creations so I’m an all nighter kinda gal. Maybe between 3 to 6 hours depending on the size (:

"The recipient of these cupcakes was so impressed he placed them in a glass case and refused to eat them."

Besides cupcakes, what else do you enjoy baking?
Cream Puffs!!!!!!!!!

If you could fight any food what would it be?
Frosting or course!

Do you plan on entering any Cupcake Wars/Challenges?
Professionally not till I have my shop. I think our foodie group might throw one just for fun!

Fondant vs. Frosting? Which do you prefer and why?
While fondant is fun to create with, my heart is with buttercream<3

Do you receive many requests for your cupcakes outside of Los Angeles?
Yes but I haven’t mastered it yet (:

What’s the most difficult part of running your business from your home?
The limitations on who I bake for. For now the support from friends and family is enough to be home with my kids. I know once I have a bakeshop it’s gonna a be a 24-7 thing so I am enjoying this for now (:

Thank You to all my loving and supporting peeps. I am nothing without you! And thank you Fullybaked for thinking of me (:

Thank YOU Doreen! You truly are an inspiration to bakers everywhere. Keep grinding. <3

To contact Little Sweeties Cupcakes or just learn more about Doreen and her cupcake adventures check her out online at:

www.flickr.com/photos/littlesweetiescupcakes
www.myspace.com/littlesweetiescupcakes
twitter.com/littlesweeties
http://littlesweetiescupcakes.tumblr.com

These are a few of Fullybaked’s favorites from Little Sweeties

We can’t forget Fresherthan and Fullybaked as Cupcakes