In 2016, CoCo’s Lip Smacking Cupcakes made its debut appearance at the 11th annual Taste of Soul (TOS) Family Festival with hopes of creating a network opportunities and to introduce the community to her tasty desserts. Nearly two years later, business is booming with plans for expansion!
Recently, the Los Angeles Sentinel Newspaper caught up with the woman behind the Black-owned cupcake business, Nicole Green, to discuss her new business ventures.
“Overall [Taste of Soul] was a crazy day! That was my first big event and we did very well. I made some great contacts, got my name out there, and I received an overwhelming amount of support from the community,” expressed Green in regards to her first Taste of Soul.
“Business has been progressing rapidly since the Taste of Soul event. I have gained a wide variety of new and returning customers as well as expanded my menu.”
Prior to Taste of Soul, Green offered a select amount of cupcake flavors as well as custom designed cakes for all occasions. Now, CoCo’s Lip Smacking Cupcakes offers dipped treats like chocolate covered oreos and strawberries, alcohol infused desserts, custom cake and cupcake toppers. The bakery’s newest edition is the smacker which is essentially a cupcake in a jar.
“I am constantly working to create new and fun additions that will set us apart from the competition,” she said.
Outside of the kitchen, Green has been focusing on expanding the business with a mobile truck, a goal that came with many challenges.
“It took a lot of time, money, and prayer,” she said.
“There are so many rules and regulations to own a food truck in Los Angeles County that can sometimes be discouraging. But I knew this was my dream and I refused to give up. All my hard work has paid off because I got my dream truck.”
The Lip Smacking mobile truck, which serves the LA County area, offers a variety of four cupcake flavors. The more popular flavors are cinnamon toast crunch, red velvet, strawberry, oreo, snickers, and fruity pebbles.
Now that Green’s vision of owning a mobile truck came into fruition, she is focused on progression and building her brand.
“My goal for this year is to grow the food truck,” she said.
“Although I have been in business for about six years now, the food truck is still very new. I want people in every city to support The Lip Smacking Truck. In addition to growing the truck, I am focused on building my brand. I haven’t decided yet if I want to get a second truck or if I want to open a bakery.”
For more information on CoCo’s Lipsmacking Cupcakes or to have the mobile truck cater your next event, please visit www.cocoslipsmackingcupcakes.com
