Today we’d like to introduce you to Renee Collins.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I discovered my passion for baking about ten years ago, during a time of personal transition after being widowed. With the love and encouragement of my husband — now of ten years — I decided to pursue something that truly brought me joy: baking. What began as experimenting with cupcakes in my home kitchen quickly grew into a true calling.
After years of practice and perfecting my recipes, I was proud to open my storefront, What the Cupcakes, in Avon. Following COVID and changes in our family life — including gaining full legal custody of our nephew and later our niece — my husband and I made the heartfelt decision for me to return to baking from home, where I could balance both my passion and our growing family.
Today, I specialize in creating cupcakes and cookies that everyone can enjoy, offering dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, and vegan options alongside traditional favorites. Baking brings me immense joy, especially knowing how much it can brighten someone’s day. It’s truly a blessing to be part of the special moments in my customers’ lives.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like any journey, mine has had both smooth moments and challenging ones. Whether it was a recipe that didn’t turn out as planned or the difficult decision to close my storefront and return to baking from home, I’ve always stayed committed to learning, growing, and sharing joy through my baking. No matter the obstacles, my goal remains the same — to bring happiness to others, one cupcake at a time.
We’ve been impressed with What the Cupcakes , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What the Cupcakes is a home-based bakery built on passion, perseverance, and the joy of sharing something sweet with others. I started baking about ten years ago, encouraged by my husband of ten years to find something I truly loved to do. What began as simple cupcake experiments quickly grew into a dream that became reality with the opening of my storefront in Avon.
Today, I proudly continue baking from my home kitchen, specializing in cupcakes and cookies that everyone can enjoy — including dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, and vegan options alongside traditional favorites. What sets What the Cupcakes apart is the care, creativity, and inclusivity behind every recipe. I believe everyone deserves a treat that makes them feel seen, included, and celebrated, no matter their dietary needs.
Like any journey, there have been both smooth and challenging moments — from recipe trials to closing my storefront after COVID — but my passion has never wavered. Baking brings me immense joy, especially when I see how much it means to others. I’m most proud of the community that’s grown around my brand and the happiness my desserts bring to people’s lives. At What the Cupcakes, it’s more than just baking — it’s about being part of someone’s journey, one cupcake at a time.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I naturally gravitated toward leadership roles and enjoyed bringing people together. I’ve always loved connecting with others, lending a hand where I could, and finding joy in making a positive difference in people’s lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://whatthecupcakescle.com/
- Instagram: @whatthecupcakes
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1D5Ce96gsX/
