The demand grew and before she knew it she had partnered up with Denby Gold Club and was baking from its kitchen and selling from the club.
She has been looking for a store since and said that six other stores had fallen through. "There was always something that stopped me. But, everything happens for a reason. I'm thrilled to be on John St now."
The store has been fitted out by the team, with DIY plywood tables and an authentic retro feel.
Cuppacakes has gone from selling 70-100 cupcakes a day at Denby, to about 300 in the new store.
She said her Snickers cupcake has been a hit and she may even look at creating some iconic Northland cupcakes in the future.
"It's crazy busy, which is good."
With a little help from accountant mum Noeline and business-minded dad Eric, who runs The Soundcave, Ashley said she was coping well with the realities of business.
"You need a good business plan, which you must adapt with forecast at every turn."
She said passion was also a necessary ingredient. "If you don't feel passionate about it, just stop now, it won't work. There's no point in starting a business just to make money."
You're not likely to see her sleep late in the morning either - the cupcake baker starts work at 3am. "I am like a walking zombie - but that's all part of the job."
She said the store would be taking on one or two more staff in coming weeks too, bringing the team to five.
She also hopes to expand the business to start baking cakes. "When you're baking 300 cupcakes a day, there's not much room for cakes."
-The store opens from Tuesday to Friday, 8am to 4pm and Saturday 8am to 2pm.
