Cassandra Ayala, Twisted Sisters Cupcakes

"Twisted Sisters" Tracy Busching, left, and Cassandra Ayala

Cassandra Ayala is co-owner of Twisted Sisters Cupcakes, which travels throughout Hampton Roads. She and her sister, Tracy Busching, rolled out their "Diva Van" in 2010.

Why did you choose this field?
I think this field chose me. I am a serial entrepreneur, and my sister is an incredible baker. The magic just came together one day and made us the Twisted Sisters Cupcakes you see today.

How has your business grown since you launched it?
Today we have more than 11,000 fans that follow us on Facebook. We started in one city and in less than two years have added five more and a brick-and-mortar location in Virginia Beach at the courthouse offering lunch and our yummy cupcakes.

Describe an industry-specific challenge.
Each city is different in terms of rules for vendors. You need to be familiar with them, as some will be the exact opposite of another. Our biggest obstacle is heat. Butter and heat do not mix well. As it gets hotter, we have to chill our cupcakes, and in the very warm months over 90 we often need to flash-freeze so they will not melt before our customers get them home. Of course, they are never frozen in our shop, and when the temp is nice and cool, our cupcakes are never cold or frozen on the Diva van.

TWISTED SISTERS CUPCAKES
Where: Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Hampton and
Newport News
When: Hours vary
What to order: Lemon Drop (limoncello cream cheese on a lemon
cupcake with housemade lemon curd)
Track the truck: Facebook or Twitter or twistedsisterscupcakes.com
Email
Phone: (757) 675-3966

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