Sundi McLaughlin, owner of Mockingbird on Broad Street in downtown Southern Pines, says she is excited to celebrate the anniversary of her shop, as well as help introduce a new business to our community.

The Cupcake Bar is launching this weekend at her shop during the event. Amy Brown is the owner of the Cupcake Bar.

Even though Brown is from Texas and McLaugh-lin is from Florida, the two have something in common. They are both military wives who have become small business owners in Southern Pines. They said they moved here because of their husbands' work but have fallen in love with Southern Pines.

"I first met Amy a year ago when I opened the shop," McLaughlin says. "We immediately bonded over our husbands' work that often leaves us to our own devices. So when Amy mentioned her idea of starting her own business, I was thrilled for her and asked how I could help. We came up with her launching the Cupcake Bar during the shop's anniversary event!"

Brown and McLaughlin both agree: "We military wives have to stick together and support each other when ever possible."

Brown adds, "Being a military wife is not easy. You are often moved to a new town far away from friends and family with our husbands disappearing for large periods of time."

McLaughlin describes the difficulty of trying to make your way alone in a new town.

"It is comforting to know that you are not alone, and I have come to really lean on my fellow wives for support," she says.

These women might not have had a choice on where their husbands were stationed, but they both say they are thrilled that they landed in a place as "great" as Southern Pines.

"This town is so welcoming to newcomers," McLaughlin says. "I am thrilled to be able to celebrate a year in business and at the same time help another new business get off the ground."

The Mockingbird in downtown Southern Pines will be celebrating another year in business this Saturday, with an anniversary event featuring a "Too Good To Be True" pajama sale and raffle. And, of course, no party would be complete with out cupcakes, McLaughlin adds.