Sophia Harris: The Jamaican cupcake queen

HER scrumptious desserts are usually devoured within minutes, and sinking your teeth into one of her freshly baked delectable treats will surely teleport you to heaven in an instant.

Sophia Harris is the cupcake queen, and proud mother to son Alex for whom her home-based business, Alex’s Creations, is named.

The cupcakes are sold in local boutiques including KerryManWomanHome during special calendar events such as Valentine’s Day.

The eldest of six children, Harris’ passion for baking didn’t emerge very early as she admits that she was a tomboy.

“Growing up, I would say that I was a well-rounded child. I grew up in Duhaney Park with two sisters and three brothers. Our household was run by my single mother as well as my praying grandmother. Back then I loved sports and I was always the one running up and down about the place.”

The Queen’s School graduate confessed that she wanted to be an archaeologist or a journalist when she was in high school; however, her life went in another direction when  she studied marketing at the University College of the Caribbean (formerly IMP).

“I remember like it was yesterday the moment when I fell in love with baking. As a child I would help my mother to bake Christmas cakes and pretend that I was the host of a cooking show, highlighting the various stages of baking a cake to viewers.”

A fervent recipe collector to this day, Sophia reads recipe  instructions line by line, always looking for ways in which she can add her own twist. Understandably, she is a ‘foodie’; but she  not only enjoys eating out at local restaurants but likes to keep abreast of current trends. As such, her television is stuck on the Food Network channel.

After gaining her marketing qualifications , Harris worked in corporate Jamaica for several years. During her sojourn she said she became desirous of owning her own business.

“One day I prayed about it and the idea to bake and have bake sales came to me in a dream. Initially I wanted to bake more rustic pastries such as puddings, but after doing some research on the cupcake market I fell in love with it. The creative juices started flowing and Alex’s Creations was born.”

Since starting in 2013 with the assistance of her sister Tamara Cox, marketing and PR director, Harris said the journey has not been completely smooth as launching her own business was challenging.

“One of the major challenges that I have found is that once you’ve decided to specialise in the pastry field, the tools and equipment needed are very expensive, especially if sourced locally. The ingredients used can also be costly.”

She said the cupcake business is also very competitive with not only individuals making the treats, but also companies as well who have the benefit of economies of scale.

Harris’ ingenuity, however, counters this obstacle.

“In order to capture a share of the cupcake market, I have decided on my niche market and market to them accordingly. I have to be continuously coming up with creative ideas (flavours and packaging) for special occasions and aggressively promoting our products and services on social media, which is currently handled by Tamia at Live Stush. Participating in various events to build brand recognition is also another strategy which I have employed.”

She has even recently added events planning to the repertoire of services offered, and growth  is definitely on her agenda for the New Year.

“I enjoy being an entrepreneur as it gives me the freedom to do what I want to do,” she said. “My journey thus far has been amazing, though it has not been without its fair share of obstacles. However, thanks to the mentorship of Mrs Cargill, my baking instructor, as well as the support from my family, friends and my dedicated and loyal clientele, I have managed to stay focused and diligent in pursuit of my goals.”

The Fellowship Tabernacle Church faithful had this advice for other women desirous of starting their own businesses:

“I would advise them to surround themselves with positive people who will encourage and motivate them. Get educated in the field that you want to enter; learn as much as you can. Never give up on your dreams and goals, and remember to always put God first and foremost in your plans because with Him you are unstoppable.”