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Business & Tech

Whiz Biz: Island Cupcakes

This unique cupcake shop brings a tropical taste of the islands to the suburbs.

Whiz Biz: Island Cupcakes

Address: 30622 Santa Margarita Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita

Phone: (949) 713-2785

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Website: islandcupcakes.com

Employees: 5

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What’s Nearby: , , Ulta,

What Makes it So Awesome: Island Cupcakes brings a taste of the islands to the suburbs with unique tropical flavors like Chocolate Macadamia, Mango, Passion Fruit and Pina Colada.

What’s the Scoop: Cynthia Hashimoto was born in Hollywood, but her parents’ roots are in Hawaii; her mother was born on Maui and her father on Kauai. Her grandparents moved from Kauai and helped her parents, both whom worked full time, with raising her and her sister. Hashimoto graduated from UC Irvine with a B.A. in Psychology and later studied at a culinary school for baking and pastry. She went on to work as a lab technician for Orange Coast Healthtech Regional Laboratory in Fountain Valley, processing and testing specimens for newborn and prenatal screening. But her life took an interesting turn a few years ago, when her cousin asked her to cater her wedding cupcakes on the island of Oahu. Because of the tropical location, Hashimoto decided to indulge guests with tropical flavors like guava, mango and passion fruit. The cupcakes were such a hit at the reception that she decided to open her own line of fruity/tropical cakes. On December 23, 2010, Island Cupcakes opened its doors for the first time in Rancho Santa Margarita.

Hashimoto’s day begins around 4 a.m., when she rises and bakes for a few hours, then decorates the cupcakes for the store’s opening. She then works on custom orders and schedules tasks for herself and her employees, orders and receives supplies, runs errands and makes a few business calls. Her employees arrive later that morning and assist with customer service and kitchen duties. Currently, her 16-year-old daughter Kelsey works part time at the shop with her.

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“Kelsey is the best,” Hashimoto said. “She is very responsible and has a terrific work ethic. She’s also creative and talented at decorating and has great organizational skills. I have to work long hours, and to help, Kelsey also voluntarily cleans, washes dishes and does the laundry at home. She also packs a meal for me every day. I am truly grateful for her.”

Hashimoto’s day ends around 9 p.m., when everything at the store is cleaned and put in order and she can head home for the night.

Hashimoto loves serving the people of Rancho Santa Margarita and enjoys the close-knit, family-oriented vibe in the town. and are on her list of favorite restaurants, and she also loves to indulge in the “apple pie” caramel apple at next door. But most of the time, she’s got her hands plenty full of sweets at her own shop.

What’s Unique: Walk through the doors of Island Cupcakes and you can almost feel the warm ocean breeze, can almost taste the salty air and feel the sand beneath your feet. The décor is simple, with a large synthetic palm tree in the corner, cute flowered aprons hanging on a rack, and a lovely display of cupcakes behind a glass case at the counter. But there’s really no need for fancy decorations; the cupcakes alone are inviting enough.

The cupcake flavors are unlike most you’ll find at the supermarket, and they hold true to the store’s name. The Chocolate Macadamia Nut, complete with chocolate macadamia buttercream and topped with crushed macadamia brittle, is among the favorites. The Red Velvet is also popular, as well as the Pina Colada, made with pineapple cake, coconut cream frosting and coconut crunch topping. Other delectable flavors include Passion Fruit, Banana Macadamia Nut, Mango and Chocolate Peanut Butter.

The store introduces seasonal flavors and currently carries a Meyer Lemon, and Peaches and Cream cupcake. Popular fall/winter flavors included Pumpkin, Gingerbread, Peppermint, and even Sweet Potato! Past seasonal flavors such as the Black and White, Key Lime and Strawberry were such a hit that they made it onto the menu for good. Cupcakes run $3 each, $16 for half a dozen or $31 per dozen. Customers can enjoy a free sample of a variety of mini cupcakes displayed behind the counter. In addition to in-store sales, Island Cupcakes accepts special orders for weddings, showers, birthdays and corporate events.

Hashimoto admits her store would not be what it is today if it weren’t for the help of her friends and family. “The development and birth of this store greatly involved my closest family and friends who have always been there for me and who I love dearly,” she said. She added that the most rewarding aspect of running her own business has been the exceptionally close bond she’s built with her daughter.

Hashimoto is also grateful to the community for welcoming her so warmly. “I appreciate the supportive advice, feedback and compliments we get from our customers,” she said. “I am glad I can provide pretty and tasty treats to the community. When I receive positive feedback, it really makes my day!”

And the community is grateful to Hashimoto for bringing just a little taste of her island to them in the form of delectable treats they can enjoy again and again.

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