The last few weeks have been rough for hello, cupcake owner Tina Miller.

She just opened hello, cupcake in downtown Tacoma. Not only did she have to rush to get everything ready so the shop could open last Thursday, but then the doors opened. The flood came in.

The shop had to close the first day because it bumped up against closing time.

She had thought a good first day would have been seeing 400 cupcakes flow through the doors. She could have done three times that amount had supplies held out.

“We really didn’t know going into this,” Miller says. “We are really happy, but we are also tired.”

The downtown buzz that preceded the official opening had brought workers in companies at a time. There were too many groups to count, architects, educators, sales forces and students all flowed in during those first few days to get their chocolate or coconut desserts. The flood hasn’t stopped.

With its crystal chandeliers, mint green walls and gorgeous cupcakes, hello, cupcake is just precious. The Weekly Volcano visited on opening day, only to find the place packed. Everyone from UW students to families, and even some local skaters were noshing on their much awaited cakes.

The cashiers and employees all donned old fashioned aprons in various prints and colors. They looked like ones my grandma used to wear back in the day.

A white brick wall with a chalkboard menu stands behind the counter. Cupcakes in various flavors and colors are artfully displayed. I opted for lemon, which came topped with a sugary lemon drop. So cute.

Other than the delectable treats, they also sell adorable cake and cupcake stands, all of which are tied with pink, green, and chocolate brown ribbons.

In back, hello cupcake has a party room with a long table and colorful chairs. A blue art deco wall makes the small room pop. The space already has several reservations for birthday parties and bridal showers, and an artist is set to dress the place up a bit. Expect a mini-gallery, book groups and the like once the shop has had some time to recoup from the bustle.

Before leaving, we ended up trying out five different cupcakes. Hey, don’t judge. We even waited about 15 minutes while they baked up some more red velvets, our favorite. Now, if only they sold hooch, it’d be the perfect meal.

Stay tuned.

[hello, cupcake, 1740 pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.383.7772]