According to Aidan Kelly, a senior at Glenbard East,
“I love Kaitlin’s cupcakes because of the array of flavors and distinctive designs. The quality of Kait’s Kakes can’t be found at your local grocery store.”
Senior Kaitlin Murphy created her first entrepreneurship, Kait’s Kakes, which includes a variety of baked goods, but specifically cupcakes.
Kait’s Kakes originates from Murphy’s childhood, as her mom and neighbors inspired her desire to bake, from birthday cakes to elaborate holiday-themed cookies.
Her love for baking skyrocketed this summer when Murphy hosted a bake sale outside of her home. Graciously, Murphy donated proceeds from her bake sale to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. NAMI Dupage aims to support individuals struggling with their mental health, while also advocating for their community.
“I chose to partner with NAMI, as I agree with their practices and wanted to do my best to give back to an organization that I had worked with on a personal level,” Murphy said.
Murphy was not known as Kait’s Kakes until she made 200 cupcakes for a graduation party, with the assistance from friends and family. Murphy’s cupcakes were a success and dozens were captivated by the creativity and pure joy baked into her goods.
“They’re not just regular cupcakes, they’re an extension of the positivity I share with others, a way to give back to the world and spread kindness,” Murphy said.
East’s first craft fair, sponsored by the Athletic Boosters, was held in the field house on October 21st 2023. Not only could East’s high school students participate, like Murphy, but also this included more than 100 vendors from local suburbs.
At a Glenbard chair meeting, this opportunity arose for Helena Kale and Laura Johnwick, both district chair members, to organize the craft fair, which would also fundraise for Glenbard East Athletic Boosters
“I chose to help because we wanted to have a fundraiser for the Boosters where people could come and shop from local vendors and crafters,” Johnwick said.
It was the businesses’ first formal fundraiser where Murphy marketed four autumn-themed cupcakes. The flavors sold included Spooky Chocolate, Apple Pie, White Chocolate Cranberry, and Pumpkin Chai, which customers could buy individually for $3.50.
Murphy dedicated months to plan for the craft fair and even took more shifts at her job to save for her designs. This included incorporating her favorite color, pink, into her business logo, posters, stickers, and her aesthetically pleasing booth layout.
“I wanted to spread positivity through my cupcakes, as that is one of my favorite parts of baking, making people happy! I wanted to make everything very welcoming as well, and calming, almost like a safe space for your cupcake needs,” Murphy explained.
Although this was Kait’s Kakes first business venture, the dedication and happiness Murphy devoted to her cupcakes paid off when all of her products sold out.
Now, Kait’s Kakes second event will be held December 2nd at Madison Elementary School craft where winter themed cupcakes can be purchased.
To place an order online or to view details of Kait’s Kakes next event, follow kaitskakes on Instagram.
