The Hazleton Kitchen Incubator extends a sweet welcome to its latest client, Sealed with a Kiss Cupcakes, a gourmet baking business founded by Samantha Kronstadt.
Originally from the Lehigh Valley, Kronstadt relocated to the Greater Hazleton Area more than three years ago for her full-time job. What began as a lifelong passion for baking has since evolved into a growing business specializing in gourmet cupcakes, jumbo cookies, and seasonal treats. Her products are currently available at Haunt Coffee in Wilkes-Barre, with additional specialty items such as “Nana’s Christmas Crack,” a savory, addictive oyster cracker recipe passed down through her family and offered exclusively during the holiday season.
For Kronstadt, baking has always been a defining part of her path from the beginning.
“I have always loved baking,” she said. “In high school, I wanted to have my own baking business. I did it briefly and was very successful, but for decades it stayed a hobby.”
Encouraged by friends and family, Kronstadt decided to revisit that early dream after relocating to the area. Through a recommendation from a colleague, she discovered the Hazleton Kitchen Incubator and quickly saw it as the right fit for turning her passion into a business.
“I love the kitchen incubator program because it made it easy,” Kronstadt said. “I was able to get a meeting very quickly, and I was given everything I needed to move forward. The education and guidance made the process smooth.”
The Hazleton Kitchen Incubator provides entrepreneurs with access to a fully licensed commercial kitchen, professional guidance, and the resources necessary to launch and grow food-based businesses without the overhead of a traditional storefront. For Kronstadt, that flexibility was key.
“I don’t necessarily want a storefront, so the kitchen incubator is a great way to test and grow my business,” she said.
Since launching Sealed with a Kiss Cupcakes, Kronstadt has focused on building her brand through wholesale partnerships and word-of-mouth. She credits the Hazleton Art League, the kitchen incubator program, Jaime at the Haunt Coffee for their guidance, along with her boyfriend and therapist for keeping her motivated throughout her entrepreneurial journey.
Looking ahead, Kronstadt plans to expand her online presence by developing a website, increasing social media engagement, and explore shipping options. Long-term, she hopes to grow the business into a full-time career and is even considering a food truck model.
“I can make just about any flavor combination,” she said. “If you have an event, party, or just want the best cupcakes you have ever had, check out Sealed with a Kiss Cupcakes.”
Sealed with a Kiss Cupcakes can be found on Instagram at @sealedwithakisscupcakes or by email at swakcupcakes2025@gmail.com.
For more information about the Hazleton Kitchen Incubator or how to become a client, visit hazletonkitchen.org or contact Nico Makuta at nmakuta@hazletoncando.com.
