Wendy Medina began developing her plan for a retail bakery/gourmet cupcake shop in March of 2023. After opening its doors eleven months later, Sunshine’s Cupcakery has grown to four employees. Offering cupcakes, smoothies, ice cream, coffee, and espresso drinks, the Elgin-based business has routinely exceeded initial sales goals. Sunshine’s Cupcakery was recently recognized for its early success by the Elgin Chamber of Commerce.

Wendy Medina and her husband Jorge Medina, have built a successful startup while raising three children and working full-time for the federal government. Wendy utilized the mentorship of SCORE Fox Valley and followed the recommended steps for a successful launch that included preparing a detailed business plan, site selection, lease negotiation, financing (loan application and award via SBA) and Elgin State Bank, equipment selection and procurement, menu design, recipe optimization site build-out, retail bakery design and bakery operations.

Larry Bussow, Wendy Medina, Jorge Medina, Ed Peterlinz, Jim Screeden