Des Moines Mom recognizes that moms wear a lot of hats. You are a mom, wife, friend, diaper changer, nose wiper, meal planner, lost toy finder, the list goes on and on!
This summer we are thrilled to feature some local moms who are thinking outside the box and making a difference in our community through the businesses they own, organizations they are involved with, and work they do. Check out the rest of the series and read profiles from previous years here.
Christina Moffatt is the owner of Créme Cupcake + Dessert and the Director of Small Business Resources for the Greater Des Moines Partnership.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.
I live with my 8-year-old son, Evan, in Des Moines. We love exploring the city, state, and travel when we can. My summer loves are anything water with Evan. Water balloons, splash pads, pools, beach, and he loves water parks. We try to attend the Beaverdale farmers market every Tuesday night. You’ll also find me supporting the local food scene, music, and nonprofit events.
What do you consider the biggest challenge of motherhood to be?
The guilt of always feeling torn. Last year knowing my son needed more emotional support as he is an only child and felt the isolation was hard. He needed help with school, and my shop went from 22 employees to 4. There were small businesses that needed my counseling and classes and I was caring for parents who needed help and support. Biggest joy? He is my only. Every first is our last so watching him experience new things and the pure joy a snow cone at the farmers market brings him makes my heart want to explode. To watch what a caring young boy he has turned into while figuring out what makes him excel is amazing.
When did you open Créme Cupcake?
Créme opened as a Homebased bakery in 2010 and became a full-time career in Jan 2011.
Is it something you always wanted to do?
I think I had the entrepreneur spark at an early age. Selling lemonade, stickers, dolls, etc.
What’s the best part about your job?
I love the shop because we are a lasting part of people’s sweet memories. Think about how many cakes and desserts you’ve had on a special occasion and photograph and cherish. We are truly honored to be part of that memory. I honestly get to work with the most amazing team. It is like a family and we support each other. I also get to help people live out their entrepreneurial journey and do what they were meant to do! If I can impact their small business in any way to make it better, easier, profitable, etc then I’m honored to be part of their journey.
What’s the hardest part about your job?
The balancing act of commitment to team, customers, family, and community.
What do you wish you knew when you started?
I wish I would have known more about entrepreneurship as a career choice. It wasn’t ever something I thought I knew much about even though I worked for small businesses in high school and college. I always heard go to college and get a good job. I would have asked to learn more from the small businesses I worked for. I also wish I would have known the pull between the business and family. It is something I speak to every entrepreneur about now when they are considering starting and the importance of making time for family from the beginning.
What do you love about raising a family in Des Moines?
The genuine friendships and village I have to raise my son. There are also so many things to do, explore, festivals, etc.
Quick Takes:
Favorite local restaurant: Too many to pick one! Splash, Skips, Bubba, Panka, Americana, Cheese Bar…Kid favorites Old West, Opa, and Bubba because he loves the special drink Willy makes him whenever we go.
Best place to take kids: Evan’s favorite place is Pole Raceway. We also love donuts from Chu Chus, Waterworks Park, rolling down the hills at the sculpture park, Tower Park Splash pad, and exploring the skywalks downtown.
Favorite summer activity: Beaverdale Farmers Market Tuesday nights became our Covid routine to look forward to so we continue it and love stopping by. We also try to explore areas of Iowa we haven’t visited before. We always have a good water balloon fight a couple of times every summer.
What’s the last show you watched, thing you listened to, or book you read? Hmmm…lack of time doesn’t really leave much room for this I have a ton of books downloaded on audible so maybe someday. The only TV show I watch routinely is CBS This Morning on Sunday mornings if we’re not scheduled for something.
How/where do you relax? I love music, dinners out and to travel near and far.
If your life had a hashtag, what would it be? #thesweetlife
Know a Des Moines mom we should feature? Let us know! Email [email protected] with details and we will be in touch.
