Ruth Williams, Owner
Photo by: Nid Collins
The Winslow family
Photo by: Nid Collins
The Lax family
Photo by: Nid Collins
The Konesko and Yeager families
LARAMIE – Stepping into Laramie’s newest cupcakery is an instant transport from a long, Wyoming winter into the pages of a lovely storybook tea party. The themes of hearts, love and warmth abound, from the jaunty and fanciful decor to the signature rosy lipstick of shop owner Ruth Williams. The most striking detail of this story, however, is the core purpose that keeps the tea flowing and buttery treats baking.
Established in November 2019, Sugar Mouse Cupcake House was created as a channel to help fund Williams’ nonprofit organization, Heart Mothers.
“I was flipping through a magazine waiting for my turn at the hairdressers, before I knew it, before I could turn away, there was an article about a little girl,” said Williams. She couldn’t shake the story of this young girl from Cambodia that had been sold into sex-trafficking.
“…I went back and tore the article out of the magazine and did some research.”
Soon after reaching out to existing groups and volunteering for the cause, Heart Mothers was born. Alongside the work of Somaly Mam, whose organization was the focus of the original article that inspired Williams, the women of Heart Mothers provide love in the form of personalized letters and care packages to girls who are survivors of trafficking.
“You can give money, but all it takes to save a life is to love a child,” said Williams, recounting the words of Somaly Mam.
To assist through the ups and downs of funding for programs surrounding the girls, Williams looked for ways to generate more income and financial support. Initially a farmers market booth was started, but before long “…it became just cupcakes.”
With her burgeoning cupcake business ever increasing, an opportunity presented itself when Sweets Cake & Pastry closed shop and the storefront went up for rent.
Fast forward to November of this past year, and Sugar Mouse is ready to open for their grand opening morning. Cases filled with fresh-iced cheer and delicate pink teacups of liquid comfort greet the strong Laramie crowd that brave the November blizzard.
“From 10 o’clock on it… just got busier and busier to where it was lines out the door and into the snow, and I was so touched by that. It was lovely and it was so encouraging,” said Williams.
Each of the 16 unique and decadent cupcake flavors were developed by Williams’ in her home kitchen.
“They’re very English, they’re all butter and cream and good ingredients.”
The shop also serves coffee, tea, English delicacies such as sausage rolls and a soup or stew of the day, and a variety of UK candies. Perhaps the sweetest treat of all, the sugar mouse, is a small pastel mouse made of sugar that is both the namesake and aesthetic inspiration for the shop.
Sugar mouse in a small house – photo used with permission of the Brian family
Williams’ key tip regarding a perfect cupcake is to place the slightly warm cake into the freezer to lock in the moisture. They can also be easily frosted while frozen, and then set out to thaw for serving.
Williams has much love for this community that she calls home, and for the people of Laramie.
“Everybody has been so kind, it’s been just lovely, it really is. The reception has been incredible, and I’m so grateful.”
“You know you can’t change the world, but you can take that little corner and you can make a difference.”
Sugar Mouse Cupcake House, centrally located at 211 Grand Ave, is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays.
Photo by: Miranda Perry 
Photo by: Miranda Perry 
Photo by: Miranda Perry