Story and photo by Bill “Hutch” Hutchison
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Another change is in the works for what was the On Safari Foods storefront in Westwood, divided into three spaces after that business moved to SODO.
Stuffed Cakes owner Donna Lawson confirms that she will be setting up shop in the third and final vacant space at 9003 35th Ave SW (the northernmost space, where Hebert’s Den was briefly open). Donna, a former graphic designer, began her cake/cupcake business in 2010, working from a shared space in The Triangle.
She’s been looking for a solo space since March and finally landed here. “I’m also a West Seattle resident since 1997 and want to stay local with my business.”
Although she’s had no formal baking training, Donna participated in the Wilton cake-decorating seminars offered at different locations around Seattle. That, coupled with her 16 years of graphic-design experience, gave her enough confidence to start a business. “I knew I could make the cakes look good – then I worked on taste and texture combinations and launched my business,” she commented.
Her varied selections can be viewed on her website, stuffedcakes.com. Donna offers everything from basic cakes and cupcakes to “build your own” combinations. “Everything is made from scratch and the customer can decide how simple or elaborate a cake they want.” She has an audience for “tried and true” combinations, but some are more elaborate choices such as strawberry lemonade, porter-chocolate cake with espresso butter cream frosting, and lemon-berry cake with a seasonal-berry curd (your choice). She also designs all toppings out of fondant to honor any special occasion (rather than using a plastic prop).
One of her favorite “styles” of cake is what she refers to as “boozy flavors” – Margarita, White Russian, and Chocolate Manhattan (stuffed with Maraschino cherries) are examples. And yes, she does offer gluten-free and vegan choices. “The choices are minimal at this point but I hope to be doing more in the future.” There are no sugar-free options so far.
Donna hopes to have Stuffed Cakes open in the 35th SW storefront by the end of October. She’s tentatively planning to be open Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am-6 pm and Sundays by appointment. No sit-down service – not licensed for it – but Donna does deliver, free in West Seattle and for a minimal charge outside of this area, depending on the size and dollar amount of the order. Cupcakes will be sold by the dozen, by pre-order, and custom cakes have to be ordered in advance too, but she will have “extra” cupcakes for individual sales in the store daily – if you want to drop by and buy a cupcake or two without pre-ordering.
Donna will also be participating in the Greater Seattle Business Association Prime Time Expo at SODO Park on October 12. She will be offering free samples of her cupcakes at that event if you want to try them before her store is open.
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