Monique Milenkovic

THE CUPCAKE QUEEN – MY AUSTRALIA

Monique Milenkovic is the ideal guest to have over to your home! She always turns up with cupcakes. And jeez, they are good ones! So much so, that the Melbourne mum of five turned her little passion into an outstanding business – The Cupcake Queens – and is now the author of a new book to inspire Aussies starting a business, and with tips for those who already have one!

Mon, I want to know the secret ingredient to the taste of your sensational cupcakes? (I promise I won’t tell anyone!)

Baking has been a lifelong passion of mine. After working in corporate roles for several years, I realized I needed a career that allowed me to be creative and bring joy to others. The baking industry was the perfect fit, combining my love for delicious desserts with the opportunity to build a business centered around making people happy. That’s all I will say!!!!

When you do get downtime, what’s your favourite little Aussie getaway location?

As a family, we absolutely love Noosa. For a family of 7, it ticks all our boxes and is the quintessential Australian getaway. For something local, we can’t go past the Mornington Peninsula, so many hidden gems!

What does Australian Life mean to you?

To me, the Australian life is about embracing the great outdoors, spending quality time with loved ones, and indulging in the simple pleasures that bring joy. It’s the laidback spirit that allows us to appreciate the beauty of our natural surroundings and the rich cultural diversity that makes this country so vibrant.

The Cupcake Queens is such an extraordinary business success, where did the inspiration come from?

The Cupcake Queens was born out of my passion for baking and a desire to bring joy to people through delicious, beautifully crafted cupcakes. I wanted to create a warm and inviting space where customers could indulge in a sweet treat and momentarily escape the stresses of daily life.

What’s been the hardest challenges and how did you navigate through the difficult period?

Over the past 15 years, The Cupcake Queens has grown from a single storefront to 8 retail locations in Victoria, as well as a thriving online store. While our menu has expanded, we’ve remained committed to using high-quality ingredients and baking everything in small batches. We’ve also embraced new trends and flavors to keep our offerings fresh and exciting.

“Celebration and Inspiration” is your new book. Why was the time right to launch a book?

I wanted to share the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of building The Cupcake Queens from the ground up. It was an incredibly challenging yet rewarding journey, and I hope my story can inspire other entrepreneurs to chase their dreams, even when the path seems daunting. I also wrote the book to mark the milestone of 15 years in business which many in the industry will appreciate, is no easy feat!

The book chronicles the early days of The Cupcake Queens, from developing our signature recipes to finding our first retail space. It also delves into the personal story of a working mother building a business with the unwavering support of my husband Jac, which is now our family business. Ultimately, it’s a story of perseverance, passion, and the power of following your dreams.

What do you hope are the main takeaways for Aussies who read it?

Whether it’s starting a new business, changing careers, or simply embracing new challenges, I want the book to empower people to take that first courageous step. Ultimately, I want readers to come away feeling motivated, uplifted, and with the belief that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and an unwavering belief in oneself.

What’s next for the “Cupcake Queen”?

Above all, my goal is to continue spreading joy through delicious baked goods and building a business and team members that positively impact our community. From a personal perspective, I would like to continue to inspire others through my book, continue to share my knowledge through public speaking engagements and support others in the baking industry to follow their passion and dream.

Book available on Amazon.com.au and Booktopia.com.au and all good bookstores.