Meet the Spell Family – The family behind Ava’s Cupcakes

While there are many family businesses, most are run by a husband-wife duo or siblings. But, at Ava’s Cupcakes the entire family is involved! Most fans of Ava’s Cupcakes probably know a little about the owner, Michelle Spell, especially after seeing our Meet Michelle posts on social media. However, we thought you might not realize there are five other important members of the Spell family that are also crucial to Ava’s Cupcakes.

In today’s blog, we share more about Michelle’s family. Get to know them, from their role at Ava’s Cupcakes to their favorite part about working in a family-run business.

Meet the Spell Family

Steve Spell

Michelle’s other half, a.k.a. Steve, is known as the jack of all trades at Ava’s. He does a little bit of everything for the business. His biggest roles in the business include handling all payroll-related items, banking, and store maintenance. Being with his entire family is his favorite part about working at Ava’s. He feels the biggest benefits of working in a family-run business is the ability to make it fun and work around each other’s schedules.

He shares, “Fun times that are memorable for me are when we decide to take a break in the middle of the day and head out for lunch together as a family. We always manage to have a great time!”

Steve Spell

Isaiah Spell

The oldest child, Isaiah, is currently the businesses supply runner and gets the supplies for the Clemmons store. He feels appreciated by the fact and loves that Ava’s pays well. His favorite part about working in a family business is that it allows for a lot of freedom and flexibility. Plus, he loves being around his family.

“We have loads of fun on every shift and there’s never a dull moment,” he shares.

Isaiah Spell

Aidan Spell

You know all those delicious butter creams you love on their cupcakes? Well, you can thank Aidan for those as he is in charge of making all the butter creams. He prides himself on making sure all the frostings are made on time and perfectly. His favorite part about working at Ava’s Cupcakes is working with others. Not only does he love working with his family, but also being a part of the Ava’s family.

He shares, “My brothers and sister have fun (maybe a little too much!) taking funny pictures of each when we least expect it.”

Aidan Spell

Hunter Spell

While Isaiah is the supply runner for Clemmons, Hunter holds that role for the Winston-Salem store. Every Monday, he goes out to Greensboro and other stores to purchase all the ingredients needed for that week’s delicious desserts. Getting freshly baked cupcakes straight out of the oven is his favorite part about working at Ava’s Cupcakes. He loves the flexibility a family-owned business offers as well as working with his family.

“When we built the Winston store, and the other stores, we always have the best time. The store is empty and we literally build it day by day until its done. There were late nights and tons of Cook Out milkshakes. Looking forward to building another store,” he shares.

Hunter Spell

Ava Spell

Last, but certainly, not least is the businesses namesake and Michelle’s only daughter Ava. You probably recognize Ava from her photos and videos with her mom on Ava’s Cupcakes’ Facebook and Instagram. She currently as serving as an apprentice to learn the business, from baking cupcakes & cookies to learning to frost.Her favorite part about working at Ava’s is working with the team. They are like her family and she loves being around them. She also loves working with her family.

She shares, “During the holidays, when it’s really cold, my mom and I go to work super early before the sun rises. We get fun coffee drinks, then blast the music and dance before the staff arrives!”

Ava Spell

Want to Know More About Ava’s Cupcakes & The Spell Family?

Be sure to keep following this blog and Ava’s Cupcakes’ Facebook and Instagram for tons more information about this great family-owned business.

Family-owned business

It’s like people LOVE us or something ;)

Zackary P.

Ava's Cupcakes is founded by Michelle Spell, the winner of the 4th season of the popular Food Network show, "Cupcake Wars". Winston-Salem is extremely fortunate to be the location she chose to open her cupcake shop. I've tried about 8 different cupcakes so far, and each one is packed with their own unique flavor, including creme brulee, apple pie, and s'mores. Contrary to other cupcake shops around WS, the sweetness... more

Ava’s Cupcakes is founded by Michelle Spell, the winner of the 4th season of the popular Food Network show, “Cupcake Wars”. Winston-Salem is extremely fortunate to be the location she chose to open her cupcake shop. I’ve tried about 8 different cupcakes so far, and each one is packed with their own unique flavor, including creme brulee, apple pie, and s’mores. Contrary to other cupcake shops around WS, the sweetness level of these cupcakes are within an acceptable range and will not make you frantically grab the closest glass of water to wash down the sugar. Although the sweetness can be slightly underwhelming at times and the fluffiness of the cupcake itself can be a bit too much, their cupcakes are still worth trying out!

WORTH IT? YES, they are the BEST cupcake shop in Winston-Salem and the greater Triad area (Overall 8/10)

Brooklyn White

Went into Ava’s and was greeted very pleasantly! The women working was very nice, I went in to try and get a cake because I had waited till last minute to get one for a birthday party, I got a strawberry’s and cream cake and mini cupcakes. They were a huge hit and so delicious!!!

Anthony C.

I had just come out of paradise nails and was craving something sweet so I decided to check out Ava's cupcake. Upon arrival, I was greeted and asked if I had been in their store before. Then I was explained which cupcakes were seasonal, regular, and cream cheese frosted. I tried the seminal cinnamon pumpkin first which was AMAZING. The cake was spongy, flavorful, and moist. The frosting was good... more

I had just come out of paradise nails and was craving something sweet so I decided to check out Ava’s cupcake. Upon arrival, I was greeted and asked if I had been in their store before. Then I was explained which cupcakes were seasonal, regular, and cream cheese frosted.

I tried the seminal cinnamon pumpkin first which was AMAZING. The cake was spongy, flavorful, and moist. The frosting was good because it was not overly sweet. For me, it’s a 10/10.

I saved the red velvet for the next day. My expectations were high since I tried the cinnamon pumpkin prior. I was a little disappointed, it was good but it was not spongy or moist as the cinnamon pumpkin. This could be because it needs to remain cold because of the crème cheese frosting. For me, it’s a 8/10.

Overall this place is good I’ll definitely be back to try more of their seasonal cupcakes.

Jenny N.

All their cupcakes are at least 8/10, apple pie is 10/10! Amazing cupcake place that won on an episode of Food Network's cupcake wars with their apple pie and banana guava flavored cupcakes. The quality of their cupcakes are INSANE and they have a plethora of flavors. Love that they have seasonal cupcakes during holidays or as the season change. I've shown multiple friends Ava's cupcakes and they are blown... more

All their cupcakes are at least 8/10, apple pie is 10/10!

Amazing cupcake place that won on an episode of Food Network’s cupcake wars with their apple pie and banana guava flavored cupcakes. The quality of their cupcakes are INSANE and they have a plethora of flavors. Love that they have seasonal cupcakes during holidays or as the season change. I’ve shown multiple friends Ava’s cupcakes and they are blown away every time even if they don’t have a sweet tooth.

I’ve tried basically all of their flavors, my favorites include apple pie, caramel apple, oreo, and creme brûlée. Most of the cupcakes have filling, a great frosting to cake ratio, and a very fluffy cupcake base. I find the frosting very sweet and often do not eat all of it but is a great occasional drink. Always great service as well and clean store interior.

Erik S.

Nothing has changed about my original review for Ava's. They continue to be the absolute best place around to get some treats and cupcakes, not once have they failed to impress or have I received anything that might have tasted less than fresh. This is my go to place to get cupcakes for any occasion, and they should be yours too. My favorite recent discovery from their wide flavor selection... more

Nothing has changed about my original review for Ava’s. They continue to be the absolute best place around to get some treats and cupcakes, not once have they failed to impress or have I received anything that might have tasted less than fresh. This is my go to place to get cupcakes for any occasion, and they should be yours too.

My favorite recent discovery from their wide flavor selection is their key lime flavor. Banana guava is still my absolute favorite, but the flavor pop of the lime in this cupcake was so zesty and balanced with the sweetness of the cupcake, perfect for a warm day!

Go to Ava’s, you won’t regret it!

Alyson Dietze

We ordered a vegan cake for my daughter’s first birthday since she has a cow milk protein allergy. It was not only beautiful but everyone at the party loved it, especially my daughter who smashed up and ate her own big piece! You would have never guessed it was vegan and the strawberry filling was wonderful. Thanks for making our celebration special!!

Chip R.

The Deets:On the occasion of finally getting to see my parents (we are all fully COVID-19 vaccinated now!), they brought me a couple of red velvet cupcakes from Ava's Cupcakes near where they are from. As red velvet is one of my favorite cake types, I was excited to give these a try. In having my first bite, I was pleasantly greeted with great taste...a classic red velvet taste but... more

The Deets:
On the occasion of finally getting to see my parents (we are all fully COVID-19 vaccinated now!), they brought me a couple of red velvet cupcakes from Ava’s Cupcakes near where they are from. As red velvet is one of my favorite cake types, I was excited to give these a try. In having my first bite, I was pleasantly greeted with great taste…a classic red velvet taste but not overpowering, nice and balanced. I like that the cupcake itself was sweet without being overly sweetened, again a good balance. It was a moist cupcake (was it the moistest cupcake ever for me, no, but certainly good and not dry and crumbly for sure). The cream cheese icing was tasty, a very good portion of it but just avoids being too massively overloaded. Overall, the red velvet cupcakes were delicious from Ava’s and I would definitely visit this shoppe if I had an opportunity when in that area.

Jeanine K.

A friend dropped these off for us and they are officially my favorite cupcake in the Winston/Clemmons area! The cupcake itself is moist and has great flavor and the icing is the perfect amount of sweet. I also LOVE that these all had a filling of some sort, it really gave the cupcake that extra depth in flavor.The 4 flavors we got were strawberry champagne, margarita, cookie dough and banana... more

A friend dropped these off for us and they are officially my favorite cupcake in the Winston/Clemmons area! The cupcake itself is moist and has great flavor and the icing is the perfect amount of sweet. I also LOVE that these all had a filling of some sort, it really gave the cupcake that extra depth in flavor.
The 4 flavors we got were strawberry champagne, margarita, cookie dough and banana guava.
My two favorites were the strawberry and the cookie dough (which are the ones I got a picture of the inside of).

We will DEFINITELY be stopping by to get more ASAP!

Helen Robinson

the cupcakes are amazing & the staff are always very friendly and helpful!Edit: if you haven’t tried the mini chocolate chip cookies, you’re seriously missing out! They’re amazing, I ended up buying three dozen within a week. I would be lying if I said I didn’t eat all of them by myself!

the cupcakes are amazing & the staff are always very friendly and helpful!
Edit: if you haven’t tried the mini chocolate chip cookies, you’re seriously missing out! They’re amazing, I ended up buying three dozen within a week. I would be lying if I said I didn’t eat all of them by myself!

Meet the Spell Family – The family behind Ava’s Cupcakes