For DeAdra Hicks, what began as a simple love of baking has grown into a thriving local business, bringing joy to families in Searcy and beyond with D-Buns Cupcakery. A self-taught baker, DeAdra’s specialty sugar cookies and cupcakes have gained quite a following, thanks to her dedication and a little faith.
“I’ve always loved to bake,” DeAdra recalls. “Even as a kid, I was the one making brownies and treats in the house.” But it wasn’t until years later, as a busy stay-at-home mom, that she decided to turn her passion into something more. What started as a hobby, making cupcakes for friends and family, eventually led her to the world of custom sugar cookies, where her talent truly began to shine.
Though DeAdra initially stuck to cupcakes, the real turning point in her business came when she decided to try her hand at decorated sugar cookies. “My mother-in-law mentioned how neat sugar cookies were, and I thought, ‘I’d like to understand that more.’ So, I gave it a try.” DeAdra learned everything by doing—experimenting with royal icing and perfecting her cookie designs.
Her journey into cookie decorating was a natural extension of her love for figuring things out. “I’ve always liked understanding how things work, and cookies were no different,” she says. “I’m not artistic in the traditional sense, but I guess I have an eye for detail that helps with the decorating.”
DeAdra humbly attributes much of her success to a higher power. “Honestly, I give God the credit for the knowledge and know-how,” she says. “It’s a talent I’ve been blessed with.”
DeAdra’s baking business didn’t take off overnight, but over time, she built a loyal customer base, primarily through word-of-mouth. In the beginning, she would post pictures of her creations on Facebook and Instagram, and soon enough, people started reaching out to place orders. “Most of my contacts come through messaging on social media,” she explains. “But word-of-mouth has been huge for me. I’ve gotten a lot of phone calls because people talk.”
Though DeAdra is based in Searcy, her customer base extends beyond the city limits. She regularly delivers to surrounding areas like Cabot and Rosebud and has even taken orders from Little Rock. “I’m open to traveling within about a 30-minute radius,” she explains, adding that she does charge a delivery fee for farther locations.
When it comes to placing orders, DeAdra asks for at least two weeks’ notice and you can reach out to her on her Facebook, Instagram, or give her a call to 501-230-2132 to place an order.
For DeAdra Hicks, baking isn’t just a business—it’s a passion that has allowed her to serve her community while staying true to her values. Whether she’s decorating sugar cookies for a special occasion or balancing her time between baking and family life, DeAdra is grateful for how everything has come together. “I’m blessed to be able to do this,” she says. “And I’m excited to see where it goes.”
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