Every young child has a dream. Adults have dreams, too; but as we grow up, they often get lost along the way.

Margo Engberg, founder of Redmond’s PinkaBella Cupcakes, has always dreamed of cakes and cupcakes and birthday parties and weddings. As a little girl, she fell in love with celebrations and was mesmerized by all they entail. The elaborate decorations, bright pop of colors, you name it — she was hooked.

For quite some time, Engberg set aside her childhood dreams. Years later, an old flame was reignited by an unlikely source.

It all began just more than five years ago when Engberg went to Guatemala to adopt her two older children and found out they had never had a birthday party.

“Of course, that broke my heart,” Engberg said. “So when I brought them home, I couldn’t wait to give them birthday parties. But when I got them involved in public school, I quickly realized kids in their own school couldn’t afford treats on their birthday.” 

With this newfound information, Engberg began making cupcakes for kids in class who couldn’t afford them. The demand was evident right away. Before long, Engberg (pictured) was being approached by friends to make cupcakes for their parties and philanthropy events.

“Around me, the whole rage was going on and I was like ‘Maybe, if I started something where we sold our cupcakes, I could use the proceeds to help charities in need,’” Engberg said.

After searching for the right location, Engberg settled on PinkaBella’s flagship location in Redmond Town Center, assuming they could at least make enough money to pay rent and keep their doors open. On opening day, they sold more than 2,000 cupcakes.

Since opening its doors in 2010, PinkaBella has expanded to five different locations throughout western Washington. In addition to selling cakes and cupcakes, PinkaBella also hosts parties and sponsors corporate events. More importantly, the company has donated more than 500,000 cupcakes and $500,000 to local charities.

Despite having no business school background, Engberg cites her alma mater Seattle Pacific University (SPU) as a key reason for her success.

According to Engberg, “When I went to SPU, I learned a lot about giving back. I think that was the most important valuable part of my education, being surrounded by a community that already models that. It made me want to do the same.”

One of the charities that Engberg and her team partnered with is Sleepless in Seattle, a nonprofit created by Redmond local Eddie Wang. Sleepless in Seattle works to provide a sleeping bag to homeless individuals with the hopes that it will provide a barrier from the cold. With PinkaBella on board, recipients also receive a cupcake — a small gesture intended to boost their spirits. Wang said that he was first introduced to Engberg through a mutual friend.

“She (Engberg) is an incredible businessperson and woman. She’s someone people in the community look up to,” said Wang. “I can’t quite put myself on her level. She is definitely someone I would love to be more like.”

Due to their most recent collaboration, Engberg hosted a leadership event recently through an organization called Centered. The event included a five-minute tour of PinkaBella bakery, a 30-minute lunch with Engberg and a 50-minute question-and-answer period.

“It’s about inspiring people; to do good and be good,” Engberg states. “When you do something you love and you’re passionate about (it), and put your whole heart into it, you’re going to be successful.”

Kelsey Baker is a student in the University of Washington Department of Communication News Laboratory.

Margo Engberg photo courtesy of Zhush Photography.