Hot Pink Cake Stand...A Taste of the Exotic Just Down the Street

Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.

- Albert Schweitzer

If ever there was a quote to live by, this would be it and local business owner Jody Carmichael is following Mr. Schweitzer’s words to a “T”. Newly opened in January, Hot Pink Cake Stand is a labor of love for Jody and a rather brightly colored one at that. Draped in hot pink, black and white, the brick walled bakery sits comfortably in Wilmington NC’s historic downtown district on Front Street. Sweet smells cover the waterfront as Jody and her team bake from scratch each morning. The enticing aromas encourage visitors and locals to sample the shop’s fare. It was my pleasure to spend a few minutes with Jody (in between baking cupcakes and mixing chocolate frosting) to find out what this new hot spot is all about and of course, to inquire about the major usage of hot pink.

“Hot pink is my thing, “Jody explains, “not pink pink, HOT pink. After a while people began to notice and started showering me with hot pink gifts. So, I knew hot pink would be a major factor in the name of the shop. Also, I did not want to be locked into making just one type of item-I enjoy baking in all its forms. We do not just do cakes or just bagels; you can put any baked good on a cake stand so…Hot Pink Cake Stand was born!”

With local photographer Keith Ketchum (http://www.keithketchum.com/) in tow, I was treated to a shop filled with fresh tulips, exposed duct work and the trademark of downtown Wilmington: exposed brick walls. Shelves filled with goods from local businesses such as the Old Wilmington Tea Co and Carolina Coffee create a comfortable feel and a chalkboard out front displays the daily flavor letting you know that good things are happening inside.

“I like to push the envelope when it comes to flavors; I am not much on limiting requests,” the owner adds, “...it is not really my place to say we cannot do that!”

The shop exudes all the charm of a NYC bakery without all the fuss and it a welcome addition to the already bustling Front Street area. Although you can still acquire traditional flavors such as lemon, chocolate, vanilla and carrot, this is a bakery that is willing to go the distance for brides. No buttercream swags here; however, you will find impeccably sculpted fondant decorations and an owner that literally adores what she does. “In three years if I am having as much fun as I am right now, then I will consider this a huge success!”

Hot Pink Cake stand is located at 114 N Front St. Wilmington, NC. The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 7-6 and is available for private parties as well. Brides can give Jody a call at 910-343-HPCS (4727) to set up a consult and perhaps enjoy cake pop while discussing their cake options. Be sure to ask about their unique flavors such as Tiramisu, mango, passion fruit, and rosewater pistachio. In addition to their repertoire of flavors, HPCS feature gluten free and vegan choices as well.

Article by: Brittany Koontz, Owner of Orchid Island Events and Wedding Design in Wilmington, NC (http://www.orchidislandevents.com/)

Photos courtesy of: Keith Ketchum Photography (http://www.keithketchum.com/)