Checking in with...Allyson Ames:

What do chicken soup and cupcakes have in common? Uh, nothing really, but bear with me — I couldn’t resist the metaphor. Wonderland Bakery owner Allyson Ames has a story in a book by one of the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” masterminds and it comes out today. So this week we thought we’d catch up with Allyson.

First of all, tell us how Wonderland Bakery got started.

My inspiration and passion for baking was there as early as I can remember. When I was 5, I would sneak downstairs while my family was sleeping to bake and decorate. When I got older, I couldn’t wait to get home and have fun creating in the kitchen surrounded by my cookbooks and imagination. In college I created the business plan to open Wonderland Bakery. This is the initial business plan we followed to open Wonderland, however, we have expanded and updated the plan each year.

Tell us a little more about your participation in the new book?

It’s a new book by bestselling “Chicken Soup” author Mark Victor Hansen — “Richest Kids in America — How These Kids Earned It, Spend It and You Can Too.” The book teaches people to “dream big” and “build a brand to command and live big.”

My story is featured in the book and I have also shared business tips and strategies to help other entrepreneurs start their business.

For me, Wonderland is my dream, it has been long hours, seven days a week; however, it never feels like work. I am doing what I love in an amazing environment that makes me feel happy, working with my and talented staff, touching people’s lives in a sweet and powerful way.

What’s it like working with your mother?

My mom encouraged and empowered me to follow my love, passion and dream. When it came time to start the business she provided the start-up capital. She has been a trailblazer in business and taught me to be an entrepreneur and to “think and dream big.”

Now we work apron to apron every day, I am the culinary creative and she runs the business and marketing side of the business. Our talents complement each other and I think this how we have been able to grow so quickly. She is the best partner. Not only do we have the business side of creating together, [but] our relationship continues to grow.

Kobe Bryant’s a fan and you serve other celebrities. Can you share a favorite anecdote or two about some of your more famous customers?