(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator David Vitter (R-La.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship (SBC), today announced Sophi P Cupcakes of Lafayette, La. as Small Business of the Week, and will be submitting it into the Congressional Record.

“During the month of October, when we celebrate Women Owned Small Businesses, I want to congratulate Jennifer Melancon of Sophi P Cupcakes for her role in making Acadiana’s original cupcakery the resounding success that it is today,” said Vitter. “Jennifer’s passion and pastry skills, along with a partnership with her husband Dustin, have combined to build a successful small business in their hometown, and she is certainly a great example for all aspiring female entrepreneurs. Congratulations to Jennifer Melancon and the entire team behind Sophi P Cupcakes for being recognized as Small Business of the Week.”

Jennifer Melancon studied the art of pastry for several years before she and her husband Dustin decided to open Lafayette’s first cupcake-centered bakery in 2010. Almost immediately, Sophi P Cupcakes became a community favorite earning numerous recognitions including the 2010 Best New Business by the Better Business Bureau of Acadiana and the 2011 Rising Young Business Leader by the Junior Achievement of Acadiana. Today, Sophi P Cupcakes continues to grow, including expanding their operation to launch multiple “Sophi P Express” coolers across the campus of the couple’s alma mater, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2015.

October is National Women’s Small Business Month, celebrating the more than 9.8 million woman-owned small businesses in the United States. Women-owned businesses employ nearly nine million Americans, making up one-third of all businesses, and contributing over a trillion dollars to the economy.

As SBC Chairman, Vitter continues the tradition of honoring America’s small businesses and entrepreneurs.

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