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Designer cupcake shop opens in Arboretum of South Barrington

In just one year, Christian and Cristina Aponte, the husband and wife team behind the new Smallcakes Cupcakery & Creamery at the Arboretum of South Barrington, went from being customers at the shopping center to running a business there.

Cristina Aponte said she left her full-time job working at Sears Holdings Corp. in Hoffman Estates to pursue running the franchise. She was familiar with the Arboretum from her frequent lunches there, and it was on one such visit last year that she spotted the couple's opportunity.

“I saw the vacant store and thought it would be the perfect location,” Aponte said about the spot between Calibre Coffee and iPic Theatres.

Just two months later, she and her husband had signed their lease.

The store sells designer cupcakes baked fresh each morning in a variety of flavors, including Pink Vanilla, Choco-holic, Hot Fudge Sundae and more.

Now, four weeks after their soft opening July 1, the couple and their employees run the store every day and are planning a grand opening Aug. 14.

Cristina's day begins at 6 a.m. when she joins their baker to make the day's cupcakes. She works at the store through the day, leaving when Christian takes over about 5 p.m., when he is done with his other full-time job.

As if starting the new venture weren't enough, Cristina is pregnant with the couple's first child.

“It's been tough on us,” Cristina said. “It's been awesome though. The response has been incredible. I didn't imagine (we'd) be this busy.”

Cristina Aponte said they've already hired additional cupcake decorators to keep up with demand.

The grand opening celebration, taking place from 3 to 8 p.m. Aug. 14, will feature a raffle, a photo booth, face painting, discounts on food, and free frosting shots. There also will be an opportunity for customers to meet Jeff Martin, the founder of the Smallcakes Cupcakery & Creamery company and a frequent competitor on the Food Network's “Cupcake Wars.”

During their soft open the store has had a smaller menu, but Cristina said they hope to add ice cream, cookies and cupcake shakes to their repertoire by the grand opening.

The Arboretum of South Barrington is located at 100 W. Higgins Road.

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