For over 10 years Ady Miriello, owner of Ady Cakes on Penn Avenue in West Reading has baked thousands of delicious cupcakes, wedding cakes and macaroons for customers far and wide. To celebrate her success, Miriello held a very special 10th anniversary party for her friends, family and best customers baking her signature Pink Champagne layer cake for all to try.
Although Miriello is mostly know for winning the popular Food Network show Cupcake Wars in 2012 (season 5, episode 9), she sat down with Reading Magazine photographer Jason Hugg after the party to talk about the past 10 years in business.
Starting out at home in 2007 Miriello began her professional baking career making wedding cakes. After two years of meeting clients in their homes Miriello realized she needed a more permanent place to bake and hold client meetings. That’s when she took a big leap and opened a store in West Reading.
Things were going well for Miriello with her new store until customers realized she wasn’t setup for retail sales. “When I opened here people saw the sign and asked what we sold”, said Miriello.
Customers were not only interested in her custom cakes but something small to take home. Seeing a new opportunity Miriello changed her newly design store and installed a small counter, display case and tables.
At the time Miriello was operating by herself, holding client consultations, baking and making deliveries. But everything would soon change as she was selected to be on the Food Networks premier show ‘Cupcake Wars’
Airing in 2012 Cupcake Wars launch Miriello business into a whole new level. The most surprising part of the Cupcake War experience was the international exposure, Miriello shared.
“Since the show the business has evolved from the original concept I had”. Riding off of the success of the show Miriello added new items to her retail business and hired additional employees to help process orders.
As time went on the Miriello continued to push into new areas including releasing a book in March of 2014 titled ‘Dare to Bake! Cupcake Recipes to Awaken Your Sweet Tooth’. Featuring cupcake recipes using everything from the standard vanilla and chocolate to fruits and vegetables, the book was the start of a new phase for Miriello, teaching others the secrets of baking.
Looking towards the future Miriello is very interested in expanding her business to accommodate kids parties and baking classes. “I want a space that will allow me to teach classes, not only for home bakers but other professionals. There’s a lot of people who want to learn from me and want to try new things”.
Don’t worry, Miriello isn’t going anywhere. Although no plans are set and she is not sure how she will do it her goal is to stay in West Reading to expand.
For Miriello, the motivation to keep going comes from her passion to stay ahead of the competition. “We’re always trying to improve our menu and use new techniques. My goal is to be ahead of the game on everything, especially in this area we want to be the ones leading the race.”
In a final though, Miriello shared with us a few tips for those who might have there sights set on building a business. Her first piece of advise? Do your homework. “A lot of people see the cute little pink cupcakes and don’t understand the dedication behind them. We are here from 4am-10pm, 7 days a week, holidays are always busy so I don’t even have regular holidays.”
Her second tip is treat your employees as your boss. “The responsibility of keeping enough hours and new product going is key”. Miriello wants to give her employees as many hours as she can, which gives her the motivation to find new ways to build her business.
Her final tip is to be prepared for the 24/7 commitment. “The best way to build a business is to work the business”. She explains that any business can have good and bad days but it’s what you do with them that defines your success. With such a big commitment, Abrea also notes having the support of your friends and family is a big help.
Miriello has accomplished so much in the past 10 years, from starting out in her home, appearing on cable TV, and writing a book, she continues to redevelop herself and business to set an example for the community.
