By Jamie Shafer

Built with hard work, faith, and a lot of frosting, Confectioneiress has been a labor of love for Victor and Mica Gosnell. Now in its third year, the cupcake shop in Zionsville, Indiana, has grown from providing 50 wedding cakes in its first year to 200 cakes this year. Consistent with the cupcake craze across the nation, they also feature decadent flavors of cupcakes like cherry cheesecake, dark chocolate peanut butter, and white chocolate raspberry. Victor says the chocolate chip cookie dough cupcake is his favorite. 

However, they have committed that their small business will go beyond just satisfying the occasional sweet tooth. Confectioneiress has provided the Gosnells with a chance to live and grow their faith each day in new and simple ways.

A Sweet Spot

Victor said that he and his wife began selling cupcakes at a Saturday farmer’s market a few years ago. At the time, they both had full-time jobs and packed their 40-hour workweek into four days so they could bake all day on Friday. Sales went well on the weekend, and they knew it could be something more.

Although they were excited about the possibilities, Victor said that the early days of the business were challenging. “Our faith really helped us in the beginning, especially when we were working 90 hours a week. Having our faith behind us always brings us back to what’s important in life so we don’t become consumed with our work.”

He noted that the business is coming to a good place now, and this allows him and his wife to work a better schedule and occasionally take some time off. The Confectioneiress team has grown to include 10 employees, who have become very special to them.

“We try to create a loving, family atmosphere at work. Everyone is part of our family,” said Victor, noting that God has played a clear role in helping them build their team. “We have been blessed by God putting the right people in our lives.”

It can be a challenge at times to find the right employees. He acknowledges that he and his wife can search forever to find the right person, but they have found that when they give up and turn it over to God, he faithfully delivers the person they need each time.

“God has brought the right people at just the right time so we can step back a little more. We now have a little more of our lives back.” 

Local Influence

The Gosnells also watch for opportunities to partner with other local businesses that have faith at their foundation. Recently they have paired with Julian Coffee Roasters, which is headed by a Christian family and focuses on helping with community causes through coffee sales. “We like to team with other like-minded businesses,” shares Victor. “Faith is not always prevalent in the food and beverage industry.”

Another partnership began through Victor’s family, when his brother and sister-in-law launched Paper Hope (www.paperhope.org), a company that raises funds through greeting card sales to help women and children escape human trafficking and learn about Jesus. Confectioneiress made a simple commitment to offer the card line in their shop and have seen positive results.

When asked what lessons God has taught them through the business, Victor responded with a smile, “We have been learning about patience together.” He and Mica have been married for seven years. “We’ve had to learn about patience and good communications since we are together all the time. We are always learning more and grower closer.”

The Gosnells have also generously shared sweets with the local offices of Christian radio stations K-LOVE and Air1. “When music artists are in town, we sometimes give them a treat for before or after the concert. We have sent cupcakes to Big Daddy Weave and For King & Country. We know these groups are away from family, and this is just like a little piece of home. It might remind them of something special like a birthday party at home. Cupcakes are universal happiness,” said Victor. 

Learn more: www.confectioneiress.com

Jamie Shafer is the communications director at East 91^st Street Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. She and her husband, Eric, have two children.