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

Hi Lindsey, how do you think about risk?
I believe risk-taking is essential to building something extraordinary. If you’re willing to blend in, your business will be forgotten. If you’re willing to stand out, people most definitely take notice.

Some of the best decisions I’ve made for Bada Bling Cupcakes started as ideas that felt a little too loud, a little bit different, or a little too unconventional. Those have typically been the ideas that were worth pursuing! Risk, while terrifying at times, creates opportunity, sparks innovation, and keeps my business evolving.

I’ve built my career and brand on the belief that bold moves get bold results. Let me tell you, not every risk becomes a success, but every single crazy idea turned into a reality has helped me to grow. I’d rather be remembered for trying something loud and crazy than for being boring and playing it safe.

Business card for Bada Bing Cupcakes with a green background, cupcake logo, and social media icons.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Here’s a little secret that surprises people-I actually don’t love baking. OMG!! Ok, I kind of hate it.
What I do love is everything that happens after the timer goes off!

Give me a piping bag, a fresh batch of our secret ingredient frosting, a wild flavor idea, or a branding concept and I’m in my element! I live for creating cupcakes that make people stop in their tracks before they ever take a bite. I love dreaming up bold and creative flavor combinations, designing eye-catching edible masterpieces, building a brand people remember, and creating an experience that’s visually exciting and delightfully tasty.

When I first started Bada Bling my cupcakes were downright ugly. They were anything but magazine-worthy. But persistence turned into thousands and thousands of hours of practice and those sloppy little hot mess cupcakes evolved into edible works of art.

For me, cupcakes have never been just dessert, they’re my canvas. Whether I’m frosting a cupcake, designing marketing campaigns, creating a post on social media, inventing the next phenomenal flavor, or planning one of our over-the-top shop events, the creative process is what lights my fire!

Cupcake with colorful swirled frosting and pink decorations, topped with cotton candy, on a white surface with pink pearls.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
While I love supporting local and trying new restaurants, dessert shops, and hip coffee spots, I would have to recommend a little traveling to my out-of-town guest.

I love the forest up North-think Flagstaff, Pine, Strawberry, Christopher Creek. There is something about the crisp air, cool weather, the smell of pines trees, and a little less hustle and bustle that makes me smile. We’d make a day trip to one of these lovely spots- perhaps stay at a creekside cabin at Kohl’s Ranch. Maybe gaze at the wild elk wandering fearlessly while eating handmade empanadas from the Pie Bar in Strawberry. Maybe check out the farmers market in Pine on a lazy Saturday afternoon while sipping on a latte from the local coffee shop or grabbing fresh kettle corn from the gentleman who sets up shop roadside every weekend. Maybe we hike down at Waterwheel or check out the natural waterfall at Tonto Natural Bridge in Pine. The list goes on and on…how much time you got?

Decorated cupcake with pink frosting, a pink stick, and pink sprinkles on a white surface.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Success is rarely a solo journey, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without a small circle of phenomenal people. A small handful of family members, along with friends who have become family, have stood beside me through every high, every setback, every traumatic blow to myself and my business, and every leap of faith over the last 16 years. They’re the ones who showed up before Bada Bling Cupcakes earned the awards, had lines out the door, or generated buzz on social media. They believed in me when my dream seemed farfetched and nothing but a crazy idea covered in buttercream and sprinkles.

One thing I’ve learned is that being related to someone-or even calling them a friend-doesn’t automatically mean they’ll support your dreams. Real support is rare and that’s what makes it so valuable. This business may have my name on it, but its story has been written with the love, loyalty, and encouragement of those few extraordinary people. Their belief in me has been one of the greatest ingredients in my success and I’ll never stop being so incredibly grateful for that.

Website: https://www.badablingcupcakes.com

Instagram: @badablingcupcakesllc

Cupcake with white frosting, a small succulent decoration, and white decorative balls around it, on a white surface.

Cupcake with white frosting and white chocolate shavings on top, on a white surface with scattered chocolate pieces, background of wooden panels.

Box of decorated cupcakes with white and green frosting, floral and swirl designs, some with pearl-like accents.

Cupcake with pink frosting, black cake, and black berries, topped with yellow spiral decoration and green sprinkles, on a white surface.

Cupcakes with beige frosting and pearl decorations arranged on a white surface.

Cupcake with cream, potato chips, and a cookie on top, with additional chips around it, against a wooden background.

Image Credits
Gabby Canario Photography

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