In episode thirty-two of the Napa Valley Insider Podcast, Andrew sits down with Kara Haspel Lind, founder of Kara’s Cupcakes and Bar Lucia, two beloved staples in Napa. Kara shares her journey from the world of magazine publishing to becoming a celebrated entrepreneur in the food and wine industry. She dives into the challenges and triumphs of growing a business, navigating economic shifts, and creating spaces that bring people together.

Episode Highlights:

• From Publishing to Pastry: How Kara transitioned from a career in advertising to launching one of the Bay Area’s most well-known dessert brands.
• Building a Business: The early days of Kara’s Cupcakes, securing prime locations, and scaling from one bakery to multiple successful locations.
• Pivoting Through Change: How Kara adapted during the pandemic, from downsizing to launching new concepts like Bar Lucia.
• The Oxbow Connection: Why Napa’s Oxbow Market became her favorite location and how the space fosters a community of like-minded entrepreneurs.
• Celebratory Moments: The philosophy behind Kara’s brands and her mission to bring joy through food, wine, and hospitality.

From cupcakes to wine bars, Kara’s story is a masterclass in entrepreneurship, resilience, and creativity. Whether you're a business owner or just love a good success story, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

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