Beloved mother-daughter dessert bakery in Bluffton closes. Here’s why, what we know
Cupcakes 2 Cakes Cafe and Dessert Bar, a beloved mother-daughter-owned bakery known for its custom cakes, cookies and elaborate cupcakes, has closed its Bluffton storefront at 108 Buckwalter Parkway, Suite 2C.
Founded by Erica Lynn Ashby and her mother, Linda Ashby, Cupcakes 2 Cakes grew from a home-based passion project into a cherished local business.
“When I opened the store in Bluffton four years ago, I did it with my mom,” Erica Ashby said. “We had been working at home for two years prior; it was always a me-and-her thing.”
The business moved into the Berkeley Place storefront near Cinemark Theater in late 2021, where the duo built a loyal following by focusing on custom, made-to-order baked goods rather than mass production. Their philosophy centered on creating desserts that reflected each customer’s vision, from seasonal flavors and kids’ birthdays to weddings.
But over the past two years, the bakery’s foundation changed dramatically.
Two years ago, Linda Ashby suffered a fall that resulted in a broken shoulder, Erica said. Since then, her health has declined significantly, with additional complications discovered this month.
“I’ve been doing it on my own for about two years, all while balancing caring for my mom and my kids,” she said. “It’s been a lot – financially and emotionally.”
While family circumstances played a central role in the decision, Erica said several other factors contributed to the closure and the nonrenewal of the storefront lease, which ends later this month.
From limited foot traffic, plaza signage and parking complaints from customers, she said the location was not ideal for their business.
But closing was ultimately about honesty – with herself and with her customers.
“I’m sad and heartbroken to close, but it’s not fair to my customers,” Erica said. “You can only hide so much, and they deserve someone who’s going to give them 100%.”
Erica said Cupcakes 2 Cakes stopped operating its storefront in mid-October and began moving out of the space this month. The unit is now available for immediate lease.
Despite the closure, the bakery leaves behind a legacy that extends beyond cakes and cookies. In early 2023, the shop was used as a filming location for the romantic comedy television movie, “The Royal Bake Off.”
What’s next for bakery owners?
Erica said she plans to take time off before deciding whether to continue baking from home or close the chapter for good.
For now, she is focusing on supporting her mother and holding onto the memories they created together through Cupcakes 2 Cakes.
“I am not reopening elsewhere at this moment,” she said. “I may change my mind in the future, but the passion and love that was there before is gone with my mom not being a part of it.”
About Cupcakes 2 Cakes
The story of Cupcakes 2 Cakes began in the summer of 2011, when Linda Ashby visited her daughter in Columbus, Georgia.
At the time, Erica was managing a national cupcake chain and Linda volunteered in the store to spend more time with her daughter — and discovered a passion that would change both of their lives.
“I love my customers very much. So many of them I consider family,” Erica said. “Goodbyes aren’t forever.”
For updates on Cupcakes 2 Cakes and future business plans, visit their Facebook page or website.
This story was originally published January 16, 2026 at 4:30 AM.
