Meet Leanne Coon | Owner and Operator of Cupcakes by Leanne

We had the good fortune of connecting with Leanne Coon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Leanne, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
In 2017, my sister wanted cupcakes that looked like flowers for her wedding and I refused to spend $60 for a dozen. I decided I would figure it out, teach myself how to create the flower cupcakes and do her wedding desserts for her. Little did I know that just months later, due to circumstances beyond my control, I would be an unemployed school principal. After many interviews, it just didn’t seem as though I was meant to continue in the education field. This was a difficult pill to swallow because I found my entire self worth and identity in my job. I was lost and it was a very stressful time.

It was during this crisis, that someone suggested I post pictures of my cupcakes on social media and perhaps people might buy them. The entire idea was ridiculous- I was an educator, not a baker!! However, I did just that and overnight God gave me a fulltime cupcake business.

For 6 months, I worked harder than I ever thought possible- Managing the social media, perfecting recipes, learning new decorating styles, and participating as a vendor in community markets. It became hugely rewarding and I found myself really enjoying the creative process. The idea that people would choose my cupcakes for their special events was extremely humbling and satisfying.

It turns out I was meant to return to education but in a completely different role in a University setting. This was great but I did not want to give up the creativity and joy that cupcakes brought into my life so I decided to do both. For 3 1/2 years, I served at the University by day and was a cupcake baker by night. My repertoire expanded to brownies, cakes, lemon bars, and mini pies. I never said no to a new request and as a result, I learned how to do unlimited designs and recipes.

When we moved to Arizona almost 3 years ago, it became clear that I would be able to retire from education and continue the cupcake business fulltime. My husband envisioned and helped to build a cupcake studio and classroom attached to our home and the rest is history!! 6 years in business and going strong, Cupcakes by Leanne is here to stay!!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Cupcakes by Leanne specializes in floral and succulent cupcake designs but what really sets us apart is the Cupcake Bouquet and Cupcake Centerpieces. Instead of sending a bouquet of flowers for that special occasion, we offer an amazing arrangement of cupcakes, customized with your favorite flavors, flowers, or colors. One step beyond that is the Cupcake Centerpiece. Terrific for big parties, especially weddings, the Cupcake Centerpiece provides the best of both worlds- a beautiful centerpiece and dessert all in one. No one in the area offers these and they are definitely some of the most popular and chosen items from our menu.

Another thing that sets Cupcakes by Leanne apart from others is the classes we teach. At last count, a person could take 13 different classes without repeating, although many people do. We offer cupcake and cake decorating classes every month, including flowers, succulents, holidays, puppies, and safari animals. I am proud to say that I have taught at least 3 ladies who have gone on to start their own businesses to help support their families.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Prescott is full of amazing food and fun!!

When we have out of town guests we make sure to take them to all of our favorite restaurants, such as, Zeke’s for breakfast, El Gato Azul for lunch and Lazy G’s Brewery for dinner. Whiskey River has the best fries and their line up of live music is great every night of the week.

We especially enjoy the live music scene in Prescott. I mentioned Whiskey River but I’d be remiss to leave out Yavapai College Performing Arts Center, Mark’s Beer Garden, Back Alley Wine Bar, and Jersey Lillies. You can find us every Sunday and Wednesday night at Matt’s Saloon for Karaoke too.

The cultural experiences here are also must sees- the Sharlot Hall Museum, Phippen Museum, Western Heritage Center, and the Elks Theater.

The downtown square is great for shopping and there is always something going on in the park around the Courthouse. December is an especially good time to enjoy the Christmas parades, tree lighting, and Acker Night.

Lastly, the great outdoors is always on our list for visitors. Goldwater Lake, Lynx Lake, and Watson Lake offer great afternoons of fishing and hiking.

We absolutely love Prescott and are so grateful that life brought us here!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I don’t believe any of my success would have been possible without God’s leading and directing of the whole thing. I truly believe He has put situations and people in my life along the journey to encourage me, challenge me, and support me. I know, without a doubt that I have been blessed so that I might be a blessing to others and that is exactly what I try to do with every interaction and every order that takes place and goes out of my studio.

Secondly, I would not be where I am today without the love and support of my amazing husband, Mark, who we affectionately call ‘Mr. Cupcakes’. I may be the face and daily operator of the business but he is always behind the scenes helping me with this or that. He even wears a Cupcakes by Leanne uniform when making deliveries for me!! I could not ask for a better partner in life and in business!!

Last, but certainly not least, I owe a debt of gratitude to every customer who has ever trusted me with their special event. From the simple birthdays to the extravagant anniversaries and wedding events, the baby showers, births, get wells, thank yous, holidays, and even celebration of life gatherings; it has been my pleasure to be a small part of your life events. To those who have taken classes from me over and over, I am so grateful for the opportunity you give me to feed my teaching soul. Not a day goes by when I do not thank God for all of you.

Website: www.cupcakesbyleanne.com

Instagram: @cupcakesbyleanne17

Facebook: Cupcakes by Leanne

Yelp: Cupcakes by Leanne

Other: TikTok- @CupcakesbyLeanne17

Image Credits
Black Cake picture- Sarah Seisinger Photography