There were two black KitchenAid mixers, shelves packed with dozens of plastic containers of sprinkles in rainbow colors and assorted shapes, and underneath the counters, plastic tubs of multi-colored fondants and frostings.

Cakes in Love specializes in intricate, custom designs, and when customers request special flavors of cake, Grue said she would refer them to one of several other local shops. But it’s a two-way street, and she said she was happily surprised by how quickly her business was accepted into the local market.

“We get a lot of referrals, constantly,” Grue said, grinning. “I didn’t know these bakeries knew we existed!”

And her business continues to grow.

Bucking the traditional five-year small business cycle, Grue said Cakes in Love has been in the black since day one, and she was able to expand her company without the burden of debt. She chalked it up to an exceptional, eye-catching product with relatively little overhead. Now, in the market for a fourth employee barely a year after opening her doors, she said she can't wait to see where the business will take her.

“My whole life has changed,” she said, “I can never see myself working for someone else again.”