The Return of Johnny Cupcakes

A line of excited students wrapped around Corwin Pavilion last Thursday night, waiting for Johnny Cupcakes to make his appearance. UCSB Associated Students and Sigma Beta Epsilon, a colony of Business Fraternity Delta Sigma Pi, hosted Johnny’s second lecture in two years. Students wore Johnny Cupcakes t-shirts in support of Johnny and his multi-million dollar t-shirt company. His popularity stems both from the fact that he started his company with no financial backing in 2001 when he was 19-years-old, and that he now travels around the country teaching students how to stay true to their business and life goals.

Originally from Boston, Johnny was voted America’s #1 Young Entrepreneur of 2008 by BusinessWeek. Before and after this award, he has lectured at big universities, small colleges, high schools, and at non-academic seminars all over the world. His lectures focus on how to start an original business without selling out and without any startup money. He advises young business students on how to use both web and retail space effectively, the importance of time and money management, and how to spend little-to-no money on advertising. Johnny designs his t-shirts and events in order to create memorable experiences for his customers, and reminds students that starting a business is “not about money, it’s about being happy doing what you love.”

At the beginning of his lecture, Johnny assured students that even if he had to stay in the lecture hall until 4:00 a.m., he would make sure to talk with every individual who had questions or wanted advice on how to market a product or start a business. He inspired students to take business risks, even if there was a possibility of failure, because that is how he learned to create a unique business edge. In a society filled with products of fleeting popularity and instant success stories, Johnny teaches that longevity is more important than popularity, and that organic promoting through word of mouth and curiosity always beats out expensive advertising.

Johnny Cupcakes is committed to quality business performance, unique and original art and design, and a special experience for each person he comes in contact with. He videotapes the development of his retails stores and blogs about his techniques for brand longevity on his website. To learn more about Johnny Cupcakes retail store locations or hear the full story of how he got started, visit johnnycupcakes.com.