Monique Ridock
Monique Ridock is a Stamford mom of three and the owner of Pastel Cupcakes, LLC, a custom dessert business! She’s sharing the inspiration behind her business her family’s favorite cupcake flavors and how she juggles work and mommyhood.
How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
I am a proud mom of three amazing children. I have a 16-year-old son, a 8-year-old daughter, and a 4-year-old son.
What do you love about living in Stamford?
I enjoy living in Stamford because it offers a great balance of city life and family life. There are always new places to explore, and I’m looking forward to becoming more connected to the community as both a mom and small business owner.
What are your favorite family activities in the area?
We love visiting local parks, attending community festivals, exploring Downtown Stamford, trying new restaurants, and spending time together at seasonal events. My kids especially enjoy outdoor activities and finding new places to explore.
Tell us about your business, Pastel Cupcakes, LLC.
Pastel Cupcakes, LLC is a custom dessert business specializing in gourmet cupcakes, custom cakes, cake jars, cakesicles, cake pops, sugar cookies, and dessert tables for birthdays, weddings, baby showers, corporate events, and celebrations of all kinds. We also offer vegan and gluten-free options, so everyone can enjoy something sweet.
Beyond desserts, we provide interactive cake, cupcake, and pastry decorating classes for both children and adults, making them a fun addition to birthday parties, schools, team-building events, and other special occasions. We offer our mobile cake cart, which brings a unique dessert experience directly to your event and creates a fun, interactive way for guest to celebrate.
At Pastel Cupcakes, our goal is to create delicious desserts and memorable experiences that bring people together.
What was the inspiration behind your business?
Baking has always been something I loved, but becoming a mom inspired me to turn that passion into a business. I wanted to build something that would allow me to provide for my family while doing what I truly enjoy. Seeing the smiles on my customers’ faces and being part of their special celebrations reminds me why I started.
What is your favorite cupcake you’ve ever made and what are your family’s favorite flavors?
One of my favorite cupcakes is my Strawberry Shortcake cupcake because it’s beautiful, full of fresh flavor, and always a customer favorite. My family also loves Cookies & Cream, Red Velvet, Birthday Cake, and Fruity Pebbles cupcakes.
What do you love about your job?
I love bringing people’s ideas to life. Whether it’s creating a child’s dream birthday cake or desserts for a wedding or baby shower, I enjoy being part of meaningful memories. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone’s excitement when they see their custom desserts for the first time.
How do you juggle work and mommyhood?
I don’t believe in trying to do it all perfectly. I focus on being present, wherever I am whether I’m spending time with my children or creating desserts for my customers. My kids are my biggest inspiration, and they remind me every day why I work so hard to build something of my own.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from another mom?
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received is, “Give yourself grace.” As moms, we often put pressure on ourselves to do it all, but I’ve learned that’s it’s okay to ask for help, let go of perfection, and simply do the best you can. At the end of the day, the love and time you give your children matter most.
