Angela and Kaylee cupcake wars submission photo

Angela Diaz and her daughter-in-law, Kaylee, had something in common from the moment they met; they both considered themselves to be foodies and passionate dessert lovers. Cupcakes were always craved in the Diaz family and so, with the channel almost permanently set to Cupcake Wars on the Food Network, the two self-trained bakers began experimenting in the fall of 2011 in the hopes of creating a moist and not-too-sweet cupcake to satisfy even the pickiest of palates.

After a full year of recipe testing and cupcake sampling, the lady bakers believed they had succeeded. HappyCakes opened as an online-based and delivery-only cupcakery in September 2012.

Angela and Kaylee at cupcake wars bridal bash

Angela and Kaylee, the Happy Bakers, decided to take their dreaming to a whole new level, and applied for Cupcake Wars in the spring of 2013. They were selected to compete in a mother/daughter episode in June and “Season 9: Episode 6: LA Bridal Bash” aired on the Food Network on October 12, 2013, making HappyCakes Cupcakery a nationally known, Cupcake Wars-winning bakery.

Kaylee, Angela, and Amanda

Knowing that they needed help, and a permanent location. Angela’s daughter, Amanda Diaz, was brought in as a third partner, and the happy threesome set up temporary shop in a downtown restaurant.

Morehead City Happycakes storefront

After 6 months of selling out of Red Fish Grill in downtown Morehead City, HappyCakes Cupcakery opened the doors to their own storefront on May 2, 2014, to find a line of supportive HappyCakesters 100 PEOPLE LONG! Over the next couple of weeks, business never slowed and fresh cupcakes were baked by the thousands.

Car crashed into the storefront

Then, a mere 20 days after opening, an SUV crashed through the front of HappyCakes—smashing the front seating and destroying the cupcake counter. Although the outcome could have been significantly worse and resulted in even more serious injuries, the damage was substantial, causing HappyCakes to close her doors for over a month.

Chocolate caramel cream cupcake

There is a resiliency that comes with building a business from the ground up, and though HappyCakes has faced challenges, it is a better business because of the hardships. The people of Morehead City have proven themselves to be incredibly loyal and supportive customers, and the team that now works at HappyCakes is truly like a family. At HappyCakes we know that no matter what happens in life, there is always a sweet side—so now let us share our happiness with you:)