Matt Fraker and his mom, his inspiration
I recently spoke with Matt Fraker of Frostings (second place in Cupcake Wars!) about his Supermom — his mother Wendy– and the business she inspired.
“My mom was a kind, funny, lady who really lit up the room. Her two great passions were music and cooking. For her, cooking big family dinners was an expression of love. Also, she and my dad ran a part-time catering business where she shared that ‘love’ with the community as well.”
Music and food are Matt’s passions too. “I was a music teacher until that memorable trip to New York City with my partner Jason Ferrell in 2008. That’s where we discovered gourmet cupcakes! There was nothing like it in Richmond at that time. Jason and I knew then that it was our destiny to bring gourmet cupcakes to Richmond.”
Sadly, Matt’s mom wasn’t able to see Matt’s continued success. “My mother was very involved in Frostings’ startup, but sadly, passed away just a few months before we opened. I try to carry on her tradition and do what would make her proud: sharing the “love” with my community. Our cupcakes are an artisanal item made fresh every morning from the best quality ingredients. A gourmet cupcake is an affordable luxury; it’s a way of spoiling yourself.”
We're pretty sure the Frostings team wants to send these to the Richmondmom.com Team, right away. Yep, any minute now.
In fact, Frostings’ top-selling cupcake (his mom’s favorite flavor) is named after her: Wendy’s Red Velvet.
Says Matt, “The proceeds support a scholarship in the school district where mom worked in the business administration office. She was also a huge supporter of the Culinary Arts Program.”
The Wendy G. Fraker Culinary Arts Award Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from the Culinary Arts program who is going on to pursue formal culinary training.
Matt’s personal favorites are two of Frostings’ chocolate cupcakes: Salted Caramel, which has caramel chocolate filling, chocolate ganache frosting, and a caramel sea salt garnish, and Mexican Hot Chocolate which has a hint of cinnamon and cayenne, marshmallow filling, 
and chocolate cream cheese.
“Jessica Jones, our Cupcake Artist Extraordinaire at Frostings and my assistant on Cupcake Wars, prefers Blueberry Pancake, one of our specialty flavors.” Says Matt, “She’s usually the one that tells us when it’s time to offer it again.”
It’s obvious that Matt and his team are passionate about providing their customers with exquisitely tasty cupcakes. No doubt, his mother would be very proud.
Frostings is giving a dozen free cupcakes to the winner of our 2012 Richmond Supermom contest, so if you haven’t entered, you really should.
Frostings is an advertiser on Richmondmom.com. Check out their About Us page on their site, where you can also see dancing and singing in the Frostings shop.
Jayme Tickle is the 2011 Supermom.
Richmondmom 2011 Super Mom, Jayme Tickle, is still going full steam ahead!
Vincent is fighting a battle with cancer - can you help?
On Saturday, June 11, 2011, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. or later, there will be a fundraiser for Vincent Tickle at the Cedar Lea Park (at the neighborhood pavilion). Vincent is battling cancer and the fundraiser will support their efforts to obtain the care and medical support he needs.
It’s a great time for family fun and a very worthy event:
- Great food with hot dogs, BBQ, bake sales, KONA ice, and more
- Bounce houses for $5 with an “all you want to jump” wrist-band
- Raffle and silent auction – great prizes from local businesses
- Entertainment by The Crain Brothers Band (classic and modern rock from the Beatles to Plain White T’s)
- Plenty of family fun
Join us at the “Victory for Vincent” fundraiser and have fun while doing something important to help Vincent.
You can learn more about Jayme as our 2011 Supermom by visiting this link. You can also learn more about Vincent’s journey by visiting their Caringbridge site.
