The Cup is not just the fulfillment of a dream, it is the culmination of a life's work. Co-owner Ericka Frank's love for baking started at the age of 12, when she baked and decorated a birthday cake for her "momma." Ericka has been delighting friends and family with her creations ever since. Her passion for all things culinary led her to a master's degree in dietetics and, while the transition from nutrition to buttercream may seem like quite a stretch, cupcake fans everywhere are glad she took the leap.When Ericka opened The Cup in July of 2007, she brought on Nicole Puyear as her new partner. Nicole brings corporate experience and a creative background that she draws on to promote and expand their business. While historical accounts suggest that Nicole baked her one and only cake at age 5 (after eating half the batter), what she lacks in culinary skills she makes up for with a unique design vision for The Cup's future.