Johnny Cupcakes

// HELLO //

My name is Johnny Cupcakes. I’m a local entrepreneur who grew up south of Boston in Hull, Massachusetts. I like Home Alone 1 and 2, Wu-Tang Clan, Mario Kart, Korean BBQ, ping-pong, and pranking people. Determined to make more time with my loved ones, I started 16 businesses before I was 16 years old. From lemonade stands to having yard sales (when my parents weren’t home), to being a magician, and selling candy in high school. Although I had a difficult time focusing in school, I certainly hustled when I found my passion. Eventually, my risk taking curiosity of starting businesses, coupled with a goofy nickname from coworkers at Newbury Comics, led me to creating Johnny Cupcakes, The World’s First T-shirt Bakery! This even allowed me to start employing my family and spending more time with the people I love, which is all I ever wanted.

// INSIDE MY SHOP //

My T-shirt shop looks and smells like a bakery, but without cupcakes! We display our culinary themed T-shirt designs inside refrigerators. When you purchase a T-shirt, we package them in our pastry boxes to add to the unique experience. Most tees come in men’s sizes S-5XL and women’s sizes S-3XL. We offer onesies, toddler and kids sizes in select designs. New T-shirts release weekly, most of which are limited-edition. We poke fun at pop culture by replacing pop-icons with cupcakes. In the past, we’ve officially partnered up with Bicycle Cards, Hello Kitty, Marilyn Monroe’s estate, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and The Simpsons.

// MY GOAL //

I enjoy bringing out the kid in everyone. Not in the sense of getting loads of people pregnant, but you know, making people feel happy! I believe we do so by being an experience-based brand, from our retail environment, to our packaging, products, and events. For example, on Halloween I have gone as far as releasing spooky-themed T-shirt designs while personally being delivered in an actual coffin and hearse.

With a unique personal touch, a global cult-like following has formed, with Johnny Cupcakes T-shirt collectors, or ‘Cupcakers’, all around the world. Thousands of people have Johnny Cupcakes tattoos, while others have camped out up to two weeks for limited-edition T-shirts. Customers have collected hundreds of T-shirts! Some own more than I personally possess! What I love most is how friendships are formed through the brand.

// But Wait! There Are Donuts! //

For 10+ years I’ve been tricking hungry people who come in looking for real cupcakes and leave upset. Very upset. Although I think this can be funny, since I’ve been married, I now know that you do not mess with a hungry person, so I’ve decided to also sell food. Not cupcakes though, haha!

We’ve collaborated with Union Square Donuts to form a partnership and sell handmade donuts called ‘doughies’, which are like eating a donut cloud! Yep. A donut cloud! Each Saturday we will be selling these from our Boston store while supplies last.

// Do More Of What Makes You Happy! //

This is a quote that I put on the inside of each T-shirt’s hem tag. It’s important. It’s what brought me on this fun journey. I’m no superhero, but if I was, I’d probably be Fartman. Ask my wife. Anyhow, I learned by experience. You should too! Everyone has great ideas, but many are afraid of failing. I fail every day, but they are all learning lessons. Eventually something has got to work, right? That imaginary brick wall in your mind is made out of marshmallows and opportunities. You should eat that wall for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

// Let’s Collaborate! //
Would you like us to make special T-shirts for your company, event, wedding, school or organization as corporate gifting? How about hosting one of our pop-up shops where we’ll come to you and sell tees for an hour or two?

Interested in having me speak on entrepreneurship, brand loyalty, and marketing? Want to bring your class, team, or birthday party to Johnny Cupcakes to shop and learn about the brand? Leave a business card or note with one of my bakers and I’ll be in touch, or contact [email protected]