Editor's Note I: The story below appeared on Connect-Bridgeport in August of 2018. Top photo is from today's ribbon cutting event for Twinkles and Sprinkles. The new business is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. The business is closed Sunday and Monday. Call 304-933-3385 to place your order or learn more.

 

When Bridgeport’s Christy Shaffer lost her job in January, she fell back into something that she’s been interested in most of her life and something she’s wanted to do for the last 17 years. That fallback has proven to be a catapult that has not only got her back in the employment field, but opening her very first business.

 

Later this month, or perhaps in September, Shaffer will bring Main Street its newest place to satisfy a portion of your appetite. Twinkles and Sprinkles, LLC, will be bring what is described as a small scale bakery that does customized cakes, cake pops, and more to its customer base in the manner they want.

 

Not a bad situation for someone whose future was uncertain only a few months ago. However, Shaffer said she leaned on her faith and that faith has been rewarded.

 

“This, for sure, had turned into a blessing because God has opened so many doors for me,” Shaffer, who has been a city resident for the last five years, said. “I needed equipment and a baker went out of business in southern West Virginia and I purchased their equipment. A girl starting up a Web site business called me out of the blue to help me get started on a Web site for free and there are so many other things as well. Everything has been falling into place.”

 

While she's thought about it for 17 years, Shaffer's love of backing go back to childhood. In fact, it was her mother Becky Hill who got her interested.

 

“I remember standing on a stool in the kitchen at a very young age baking with my mom and fell in love with baking. I love making people happy with the desserts I create to celebrate their special occasion," said Shaffer.

 

Now, she plans on making plenty of others happy with her  new business that will be situated at 353 East Main Street, which is located by the Riversong Spa. The building is the former Peakwealth Management building operated by Keith Dumas.

 

“I had to search for a location for some time. I’ve actually been looking at this location for several months after nearly going with another location. When I decided to move ahead it was still here and the owners have been wonderful to work with,” she said. “I have what I need from a good location with a lot of traffic to parking and plenty of space.”

 

Going from losing a job to dabbling into baking and into a business venture didn’t happen overnight. However, it did happen quickly.

 

“I lost my job on Jan. 12,” the registered dental hygienist said. “I hadn’t decorated a cake until Feb. 1. I actually had done cookies and cupcakes, but nothing like I’m doing now such as wedding some pretty unique wedding cakes,” said Shaffer. “I started taking orders and as quickly as mid-February I started getting a lot of orders and it’s been picking up ever since.”

 

Although thinking about opening up a shop and getting out of the home, Shaffer knew it was time in May. As graduation rolled around, the need appeared to be obvious.

 

“I have just been bombarded with orders since May when graduation came around,” said Shaffer, who has a 14-year-old freshman daughter Maggie Holstein and a 13-year-old stepdaughter Maddie Shaffer. “That was the time I realized I needed to get out of the house and into a new building.”

 

That led to Twinkles and Sprinkles. The reason for the name?

 

“There’s no hidden meaning. It just goes with what I’m doing,” said Shaffer.

 

She’s gotten plenty of help getting the building ready from her husband Matt who works for Dominion, but also operates Push Excavating. That’s been a bonus, she said.

 

“He’s been such a big help and getting us started from the front porch to other things we’ll be doing before we open our doors,” said Shaffer.

 

Shaffer is still working out of her home, but will soon be taking orders at her new location from cakes, sugar cookies, cupcakes, cake pops, and more. She said she’ll work with the customers for placing various logos – including those on the business front – to the desired artwork wanted.

 

“I’m excited about this and looking forward to serving Bridgeport and the entire area,” she said.

 

She said she wouldn't have been here without her family.

 

"My sister (Mary Jane McNeely) is one of my biggest cheerleaders. She’s encouraged me and both my mom and sister are so supportive, along with my husband's entire family," said Shaffer. "My sister has already surprised me by making Twinkles and Sprinkles shirts and my mom gave me my grandma's old rolling pin."

 

Shaffer said the hours of operation have yet to be officially determined. That, as well as a business phone number, will soon be provided. You can follow the business for updates on their Facebook page by searing for Twinkles and Sprinkles.

 

Editor's Note II: Top photo shows Christy Shaffer inside her new Main Street business. Bottom three photos from the Twinkles and Sprinkles Facebook page show some of the products Shaffer has for sale.