STORE AROUND THE CORNER: Ladybug Bakeries

River Club resident Misty Pope didn’t set out to start her own business.

But that’s exactly what happened four months ago when Pope, a stay-at-home mother of two boys Brady, 3 ½ and Riley, seven months, decided to begin selling her homemade diaper cakes.

Pope had been making diaper cakes for friends and family for a number of years, but it wasn’t until her mother, Linda Domingo, approached Pope about the idea of making a diaper cake for a corporate baby shower.

Shortly after Domingo ordered the diaper cake, Pope tossed around the idea of starting a business selling diaper cakes.

“My mom said to me ‘Why are you not selling them,’” Pope said of her diaper cakes. “There’s such a market right now for niche boutique items. To get anything personal (these days) is kind of unique.”

She eventually took her family’s advice and started Ladybug Bakeries in January. Pope, who was nicknamed ladybug growing up, creates a variety of diaper cakes ranging from cupcakes to a three-tier cake.

Customers can provide specific color schemes and themes and other details, which Pope will then recreate in her custom diaper cakes. Each diaper cake is made with quality ingredients, including diapers, socks, onesies, receiving blankets and more.

“I wouldn’t use anything I wouldn’t use on my own baby,” Pope said.

Prices range from $30 for a set of cupcakes to $85 for a three-tier diaper cake.

In addition to diaper cakes, Pope also recently began making bridal towel cakes for bridal showers and weddings.

Those interested in purchasing a diaper cake or seeing some of Pope’s designs can visit her Website at www.ladybugbakeries.com or her storefront on etsy.com. Pope will also be holding April Showers and May Flowers giveaways on her Facebook page.

“I enjoy the element of surprise,” Pope said. “You never know how it’s going to turn out and that’s the fun of it. You have specific colors and the best intention of it looking one way, but it could go in a totally different direction by the time you’re done with it.

“It’s been fun,” Pope said. “It’s a privilege to be home with my boys and do a little something on the side.”

BASICS

Ladybug Bakeries

Owner: Misty Pope

Phone: 405-4634

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.ladybugbakeries.com or www.etsy.com

What makes the business unique: Each diaper cake is made with quality ingredients. “I wouldn’t use anything I wouldn’t use on my own baby,” owner Misty Pope said.