Interview with Amy Gooch, owner
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: I wanted to try my hand at making fancy, custom cakes, so I taught myself through the Internet. I actually wanted to make my mom a surprise 60th birthday cake. I learned to make this phenomenal cake and then it just went on from there. I started the business on the side in 2010 and then bought my first storefront last year.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: Rather than being just a cupcake shop, we also keep cake pops on hand as well as our signature cake, the Goochie cake. It’s basically like a half covered Ding Dong. It’s a little cake without frosting. It’s got a filling in the middle and a glaze on top. It’s about the size of a cupcake. Our most popular are the ones with peanut butter cups shoved in the middle. We also make Illy cappuccinos and lattes and homemade hot chocolate in the shop.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: I really like making interesting and cool cakes for people and seeing them appreciate the work that I put into it. It’s so cool to see how my work makes people happy and makes their special occasions ever more special.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: Mostly foot traffic and getting walk-in customers through the door out here at Southlands. We’re in a really great location at the mall, but I think people are still just discovering this area and coming to shop here, so it’s a growing attraction. I just need more daily customers coming in and getting their cupcakes.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: I’m a huge music fan. I love rock ‘n’ roll. My favorite style of cakes to do are ones that are themed around rock ‘n’ roll music, like guitars. My guitar-shaped cake is my pride and joy. I first made it for the wedding for some good friends of mine who are in a local band, and it’s still my favorite cake to date. There are pictures of it all over my website.
Profile
Business: Goochie Cakes
Address: 23955 E. Plaza Ave.
Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday
Founded: 2010
Contact: 303-974-6440,
Employees: 5
