[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 14519]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING SOPHI P CUPCAKES

 Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, Louisiana is known for many great 
things, not least of which is our unique and delicious cuisine. Whether 
it is a crawfish boil in the spring or the first fall gumbo pot, our 
family traditions often center around food. In that spirit, I would 
like to recognize Sophi P Cupcakes LLC in Lafayette, LA, for sharing a 
unique take on a traditional dessert in the Acadiana region.
  Jennifer Melancon studied the art of pastry for several years before 
she and her husband, Dustin, decided to open Lafayette's first cupcake-
centered bakery, otherwise known as a cupcakery. Combining Jennifer's 
skill and Dustin's business sense, the Lafayette natives launched Sophi 
P Cupcakes in 2010. Almost immediately, Sophi P Cupcakes became a 
community favorite and later that year was recognized as the 2010 
``Best New Business'' by the Better Business Bureau of Acadiana. One 
year later, Jennifer and Dustin were awarded the 2011 ``Rising Young 
Business Leader'' by the Junior Achievement of Acadiana. Over the next 
few years, Sophi P Cupcakes continued to grow and succeed and in 2015 
expanded their operation to launch multiple Sophi P Express coolers 
across the campus of the couple's alma mater, the University of 
Louisiana at Lafayette. Jennifer and Dustin are now focused on the 
future of Sophi P's and have their eyes set on expanding their business 
across Louisiana and the Nation.
  While hard work and thoughtful planning have played a major role in 
their success, there is no doubt that Jennifer's leadership as the head 
pastry chef and owner has helped cement Sophi P's as a local favorite 
in Acadiana. Catchy cupcake names such as ``the Dude'' and ``Chocolate 
Thunder'' match the ``sophisticated to punk'' theme that is the 
inspiration behind the cupcakery. With treats made daily with fresh 
ingredients and a mission revolving around customer service and 
appreciation, it is no wonder that Sophi P's is a great success as part 
of the cupcake craze sweeping the Nation.
  During the month of October, when we celebrate women-owned small 
businesses, I want to especially congratulate Jennifer for her role in 
making Sophi P Cupcakes the resounding success that it is today. Her 
exceptional culinary skill and artistic mind has helped Sophi P 
Cupcakes become one of Acadiana's favorite places for sweet treats. Her 
passion is an example to all aspiring female entrepreneurs, and I 
applaud her for tapping into her talent and embarking on the endeavor 
of owning a small business with her husband.
  Congratulations to Jennifer, Dustin, and the entire team at Sophi P 
Cupcakes on being named Small Business of the Week. I look forward to 
your continued confectionary success.

                          ____________________