Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on September 2010
Where are you from and when/why did you originally come to Japan?
I am from London. Believe it or not, I used to work in finance, but I gave up my job to follow my husband, who was transferred back to Tokyo. I arrived here last year.
What do you do?
I am the founder of Bella’s Cupcakes Tokyo, where I spend pretty much all my time baking and selling cupcakes. I am now also in the process of expanding.
Why did you decide to start a cupcake business in Tokyo?
I have been cooking and baking since I can remember; I caught the baking bug from my mother. At the age of 12, I was baking fruitcakes and cookies for guests every weekend and spending hours decorating cupcakes.
When I came to Tokyo, I was taken aback by the rich and diverse variety of desserts that are available. However, there seemed to be a gap between the highly sophisticated, expensive French pastries and the simple, ubiquitous doughnuts. For me, cupcakes fill this gap because they are the perfect treat. In pursuit of quality cupcake treats in classic flavors such as lemon, coconut and raspberry, and carrot and walnut with cream cheese frosting, I decided to offer this wonderful city a real alternative with Bella’s Cupcakes.
What makes your cupcakes special?
Bella’s Cupcakes are uniquely light and fluffy, which makes them quite irresistible—our customers keep telling us that, unlike other desserts, they can quite easily have more than a few. We also use the best ingredients, such as pure Madagascar Bourbon vanilla and premium cocoa, to make sure that our cupcakes always taste great.
How can we buy them?
You can order online at www.bellas-tokyo.com or you can send us an email at orders@bellas-tokyo.com. You can either pick them up or we can deliver to you. You can also buy our cupcakes from Bella’s Mobile Truck at National Azabu Supermarket in Hiroo (Fridays and Saturdays from 11am-6pm) or at Kawasaki’s La Cittadella (Sundays from 11-6pm). Check our website and Facebook for promotional events and free giveaways.
What do you like to do in your downtime?
I like to invite friends over for coffee, watch English period dramas and read. I am currently reading The Mitford Girls by Mary S. Lovell, which I’m really enjoying.
For more information, see www.bellas-tokyo.com or email hello@bellas-tokyo.com.
