Snowball Shack is now a real shack, on wheels, as it prepares for the summer season.

And the transformation from a pop-up tent set-up to a more substantial trailer shack is testament to owner Malisa Swan’s belief in always moving forward, even when things are difficult.

Family and friends helped to create and fit-out the wood-panelled shack, which has been painted a bright pink. Being mobile, it can be transported to shows and events when it is not at its usual location on Railway Terrace, Palmetto Road, in Pembroke.

“We used to operate out of a pop-up tent. This year we have moved up to a wooden shack. It’s more attractive, it can be moved to events and it is more sanitary; you don’t have to worry about dust blowing around,” said Ms Swan.

Treats on offer include gourmet cupcakes, cookies, all manner of snowballs and slushies, popcorn, and even glo cones — that’s candy cotton that lights up at night.

And Ms Swan’s creativity extends beyond the homemade food delights, because she has turned her hand at designing and making some bright trash cans to place beside the shack. One is designed to look like a giant slushie, the other has a cupcake-style lid.

It is seven years since Ms Swan set up her own home bakery business, which soon involved other family members and became the Bermuda Cupcake Company.

Ms Swan became an entrepreneur after being unable to find a job, despite applying for many vacancies.

“So rather than stress about not being able to find a job, I created my own,” she said.

“I got creative with what I had and it has grown from there. I say ‘dream it, speak it, make it a reality’. Yes, I still look for employment and the opportunity to work for someone else, but instead of stressing about it I believe you should get up and do what you can do.”

Baking cakes is one of her talents. She enjoys coming up with new creations, whether they are cupcakes, cookies, or snowballs. With more than 50 flavoured syrups to make snowballs, she has a long list of unique creations for customers to try, including the Bermuda snowball, the Bob Marley snowball and the Island Girl snowball.

The Bermuda Cupcake Company, which also makes hot dogs, sells its own homebaked treats at the Snowball Shack and takes online orders for special occasions such as parties, weddings, baby showers, birthdays and corporate events. The company offers party rentals with a server.

Further emphasising the home-grown nature of the business, Ms Swan created its webpage, and she uses social media, mostly Facebook and Instagram, to reach potential customers.

“I don’t have money to advertise, so I use Facebook and Instagram to reach people.”

At its Palmetto Road location the Snowball Shack is open from noon to 8pm every day except Sunday when it closes at 7pm. If the shack is unattended there is a bell that customers can ring for service. Ms Swan makes cakes and cookies from scratch each day to sell at the shack.

Reflecting on what it takes to operate the shack and run the Bermuda Cupcake Company, Ms Swan said: “It’s not easy. But it’s worth giving it a go and its fun getting to meet people.”

Attendees at the City Food Festival, on Front Street, will have the opportunity to try out the Snowball Shack’s treats on Saturday.

To learn more about the Snowball Shack and the Bermuda Cupcake Company by visiting the website: http://www.bermudacupcakecompany.com/