Black Owned Cupcake Shop New to Anacostia

The smooth crests of frosting form a soft, delicate mountain of deliciousness to lips. The moist cupcake is sweet and tempting. Mouths feigns to savor when stopping in to Olivia's Cupcakes.

Named after their oldest daughter Olivia, a junior at Virginia State University, owners Cindy Bullock and her husband Bob wanted to promote entrepreneurship within their family.

The Bullocks encouraged Olivia and her sister Royelle to not just dream big, but to actually make their dreams happen. Passing on the spirit of her mother, Cindy always promoted ambition.

"My mother told me that you can only fail if you don't try," Bullock said.

No stranger to trying new things, she has owned a flower shop, a barbershop, a nail salon, and a daycare. Now in its 4th month, Olivia's Cupcakes is a thriving business that is a testament to Cindy's hard work, determination, and faith.

Olivia's Cupcakes is a true representation of The Bullock Family. Their smiles are as fresh as the balloons they put outside the shop every day. Their voices as warm as the cupcakes they serve and their versatility as large in range as their selection of cupcakes (over 50 flavors!).

Located at 2318 Minnesota Ave. S.E., and armed with a baker that makes cupcakes look better than people, Olivia's is a fun, creative, delicious, and not to mention black-owned cupcake shop.

Cindy not only owns the shop but she bakes all the cupcakes as well.

"I get here at 2 a.m. every day to start baking," she said

Her daughter Olivia manages to work at the shop while maintaining a heavy school work load. In addition Royelle works hard at school and helps with "Princess Party Palace" as part of the cupcake shop.

The Palace gives young girls a place to act out their princess for a day fantasy, provided with all the costume jewelry and princess gowns, any princess could ever want. The Palace also promotes high self-esteem in young girls, reminding them that they are all princesses every day.  The sense of community the Bullocks have instilled in their daughters is prevalent throughout the palace.

Cindy truly takes pride in being the first black owned cupcake shop in Anacostia.

"People fear doing business in the inner city, but this is our root," Cindy said.

Having lived in D.C. her whole life, Cindy wanted to bring a place to her community that shows that Southeast is far from "less than". People genuinely appreciate what The Bullocks have done for the community. First time customer, who wanted to be known as Carla, traveled from her job because she heard that the shop was black-owned.

"We need to support our own," Carla said.

Olivia's Cupcakes have a generosity and care that is hard to find in many businesses. Striving to lift up their community, they stay true to Howard's motto of "Truth and Service".