Cupcake as Art

La Fleur Cupcakes is a sweet family business

By Eemi Toma

In many Chaldean homes, the kitchen is more than a place to cook. It is where family gathers, traditions are preserved, and creativity quietly takes shape. For Rasha Shaffou and her daughter Annabel, that familiar space became the foundation for La Fleur Cupcakes, a home-based business that transforms cupcakes into intricate floral bouquets and everyday moments into meaningful memories.

La Fleur Cupcakes is led by a partnership rooted in flexibility and trust. As the business has grown, so have their roles. As Rasha explains, “Our roles have shifted quite a bit as the business has grown. We’ve adapted to different challenges and adjusted the way we work to fit our lives, which is one of the biggest benefits of being a home-based business.” Rasha is the co-founder of La Fleur Cupcakes alongside Annabel and manages the daily operations, including orders, customer communication, deliveries, and bouquet design.

Annabel’s role complements her mother’s in both creativity and strategy. “I focus on our website design, social media, creating new bouquet designs, and helping with larger orders,” Annabel says. While her responsibilities have shifted since beginning medical school, the foundation they built together remains central to the brand. “From the very beginning, we both worked closely on building the brand, from product design and packaging to shaping the overall look and feel of La Fleur and getting the business off the ground.”

Like many stories within the Chaldean community, La Fleur did not begin as a business plan. It began with family gatherings and a shared love of baking. Desserts were always present, and baking was simply part of life. “Like many people, and especially within the Chaldean community, our lives have always been filled with family gatherings,” says Rasha. “For nearly every event, we were baking something.” At the time, it was never about building a brand or launching a business - it was about joy and togetherness.

That joy carried into everyday moments as well. “Baking was simply a hobby that brought us joy. We baked for holidays, birthdays, special occasions, and quiet rainy days at home,” Annabel explains. Over time, curiosity led them to experiment with piping tips and floral designs, first on cakes and eventually on cupcakes. “Once we tried those designs on cupcakes, we felt inspired,” she recalls. Encouragement from close family followed, and this time the idea took root.

What makes La Fleur instantly recognizable is its artistic approach. That vision is rooted in both experience and talent. Annabel credits her mother’s creative background, noting, “My mother, Rasha, is naturally creative, and her background strongly shaped the way we approached our cupcakes as visual art.” Rasha’s experience in floristry and event planning paired seamlessly with Annabel’s background as a visual artist. “Between the two of us, making art out of buttercream felt very natural and became an outlet for our creativity,” Annabel says.

Their inspiration often comes from everyday life, especially fresh flowers brought into the home and shared between mother and daughter. The goal has always been depth and intention. “Ultimately, we wanted our cupcakes to feel like true works of art, not just for realism, but so customers can see the level of detail and care behind each bouquet and feel the time, intention, and dedication that goes into every order,” explains Annabel.

Working as a mother and daughter requires balance. Early on, they learned how to navigate the natural hierarchy of their relationship while building something together. Over time, that evolved as they made a conscious effort to communicate openly. Their closeness brings both honesty and joy. “My mom and I often say we’re best friends,” Annabel shares. Their kitchen is filled with Arabic and Chaldean music, laughter, and creativity, especially during long hours of work.

La Fleur officially launched in February 2020, just before the pandemic reshaped daily life. Reflecting on that period, they agree, “That period taught us so much about resilience, running a small business, and humanity itself.” While the business initially paused, it soon found momentum as people searched for meaningful ways to connect. Their local delivery option allowed customers to send something personal and heartfelt when gathering was not possible.

During that time, La Fleur became part of both joyful and painful moments. “We were honored to be part of people’s lives in ways we never imagined,” they share. The experience strengthened their bond with the community and reinforced the purpose behind their work. “This time wasn’t just about growing as a business. It was about feeling truly connected to our community.”

That sense of responsibility carries into every order. Customization is central to the La Fleur experience, whether designing inspired by wedding florals, milestone birthdays, or deeply personal themes. “At the end of the day, we approach every order as more than a dessert,” says Annabel. “It’s a small way to honor someone’s milestone and be part of a meaningful moment in their life.”

Their Chaldean heritage remains at the heart of everything they do. “Our Chaldean heritage is a central part of who we are and deeply influences both our lives and La Fleur,” Annabel explains. That heritage is lived out through generations of family who shaped their values and work ethic. “My mother, Rasha, and my father, Sabah, are both immigrants with strong ties to our faith, culture, and Chaldean identity.” Those values were reinforced by example. “This work ethic was instilled in us through our family, especially by my grandfather, my mother’s father, Naji Bahoura, a successful entrepreneur who is 82 years old and still working.”

Family remains present in the daily rhythm of La Fleur. “Beyond the two of us, our loved ones often step in to help with large orders. Our kitchen frequently feels like a family gathering, similar to wrapping dolma, making kleicha, or sewing pacha,” says Annabel. The work becomes a shared experience, one where culture and language are kept alive. “While we work, we’re often speaking Chaldean with one another, which is one of the ways we keep our culture alive,” she goes on. Faith also grounds their process. “We often pray while working on orders, and it grounds the way we approach our work.”

Looking ahead, their vision is steady and intentional. “We hope to remain rooted in our core values of compassion, hard work, community, creativity, and meticulous attention to detail,” they express. Annabel will continue her medical education while remaining involved with La Fleur, and Rasha will continue guiding the business with care. Their focus is not rapid expansion, but meaningful connection.

La Fleur Cupcakes stands as a reflection of what so many Chaldean businesses represent. It is built on family, sustained by faith, and shaped by creativity. From a home kitchen to countless life moments, Rasha and Annabel continue to show that when generations work together, even something as simple as a cupcake can become a work of art.

To see more of their work, visit lafleurcupcakes.com.

Rasha Shaffou (left) and her daughter Annabel.