CupKates opens its door on Spence Street
What started as a birthday cake for her son has grown into one of Cairns’ most loved baked treats — and has now opened its doors for the first time in the heart of the city.
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What started as a birthday cake for her son has grown into one of Cairns’ most loved baked treats — and has now opened its doors for the first time in the heart of the city.
After years of early mornings, market stalls, and word-of-mouth growth, Kate Jordan has opened the doors to her first store, CupKates.
The shop, located on the corner of Spence and Grafton streets, is filled with vintage tins, family photos, and the irresistible smell of baked treats.
“I’m not about the hustle anymore,” Ms Jordan said.
“Markets were where things really started to grow.”
Fifteen years ago, Ms Jordan — then a stay-at-home mum running a family daycare — crafted a dessert which unexpectedly sparked a new direction in life.
Although she’d always enjoyed time in the kitchen, it wasn’t until friends and family her to take it further that she did, and CupKates came to life.
“I started so slowly,” she said.
“I got my kitchen registered, did maybe one cake a week while still running daycare. It wasn’t glamorous. It wasn’t easy. But I just loved it.”
The new shop has been a hit with lines forming before opening, and goodies often selling out within the hour.
Ms Jordan says she has built a loyal following through consistency and connection.
“People say I’m lucky,” she said.
“But this didn’t happen overnight. My mum’s been washing dishes. My friends pitch in. It’s been a long road.”
Ms Jordan was nominated as a finalist for the 2025 Sole Entrepreneur of the Year in Cairns, with some customers being loyal to her since 2010.
“I’m really humbled by it,” she said.
She keeps things simple and focused: good flavours, fair prices, and no gimmicks.
“If it doesn’t taste amazing, I don’t want it on my counter,” she said.
Her inspiration comes from family memories, spontaneous ideas, and her two sons, Archer and Spencer, who occasionally chime in with names and cookie concepts.
“I love it. I genuinely love it,” Ms Jordan said.
Today, the business stands as a sweet testament to passion, persistence, and the support of a close-knit community.
“I still taste test everything. I still get excited about new ideas,” Ms Jordan said.
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Originally published as CupKates opens its door on Spence Street
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