Tracy Collins
Tracy Collins poses with a homemade dark chocolate raspberry cupcake in her Southampton home on Friday, February 15, 2013.
SARAH CROSBY Purchase photo reprints »Tracy Collins pours flour into a mixer while making cupcakes in her Southampton home on Friday, February 15, 2013.
SARAH CROSBY Purchase photo reprints »Tracy Collins pipes chocolate frosting onto cupcakes in her Southampton home on Friday, February 15, 2013.
SARAH CROSBY Purchase photo reprints »Tracy Collins holds up a homemade dark chocolate raspberry cupcake in her Southampton home on Friday, February 15, 2013.
SARAH CROSBY Purchase photo reprints »Tracy Collins fills cupcake trays with paper liners in her Southampton home on Friday, February 15, 2013.
SARAH CROSBY Purchase photo reprints »
Job title and company: Tracy Collins, owner and baker, SugarBakers Cake Truck, Southampton
Age: 39
Your duties: Pretty much everything: baker, truck driver, customer service, dishwasher and everything in between.
How did you land your job? I created it.
What’s most challenging about your work? As a sole proprietor, there are no closed days — my job is seven days a week
What do you like about your job? I love talking to people about interesting ways to use the truck: customer and employee appreciations, anniversaries, birthday parties, college events. We had one group of parents that had us at their house to celebrate sending their kids off to camp — after the kids left.
What is your key to success? An excellent product and good customer service.
How do you feel the Valley economy will fare this year? Fare-ly well.
Why did you choose to do business in the Valley? Food trucks are tricky in this part of the state with no really big city like Boston as a hub. But the Valley has something else — quirky people who appreciate a unique experience and support small business. Plus, I grew up here and love being able to participate and give back to my community.
Who has helped mentor you professionally? I have talked to many small business owners and other food truck operators. People who have experience and are willing to share their knowledge are such a gift.
Name a few of your goals for the coming year: I hope to expand our parking days for the public and to promote SugarBakers as a fun and affordable option for other businesses to use.
Tell us a little-known fact about you: I have absolutely no desire to be on Cupcake Wars — WAY too stressful!
What is your advice for others seeking business success? It’s a scary leap to start a new business. Plow forward even when people say, “But that’s never been done here.”

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