This Saturday isn’t just Mockingbird on Broad Street’s third anniversary. It will also mark Carolina Cupcake Bar’s first year in business.

A year ago, Sundi McLaughlin, of Mocking-bird, met Amy Brown, owner of the Carolina Cupcake Bar, and booked the Cupcake Bar as a treat for her customers. Since then, a friendship has developed between these two military wives/small business owners.

“Amy has this great joyful spirit about her that is instantly contagious,” McLaughlin said.

She added that a year ago she knew Amy only as a new business owner and that she now feels lucky to be able to call her a friend.

“It seems like our husbands are gone quite a bit, and it’s nice to be able to give her a call and go to a movie or just a walk,” McLaughlin said. “She helps me stay positive, and I hopefully keep her laughing.”

McLaughlin and Brown will team up again to celebrate Mockingbird’s anniversary. She said her customers loved the custom- made cupcakes provided by Carolina Cupcake Bar last year and is excited to bring it back this year for the event.

“The event should be a lot of fun, with great sales and a great raffle with items by Pine Cone Hill, Ugly Doll, beautiful jewelry and belts by Moss Mills and more, but the highlight will of course be the cupcakes,” McLaughlin said.

She said the celebration is a opportunity for her as a small business owner to thank her customers.

“I know that my customers can literally shop anywhere in the world online,” she said. “So when a customer comes in and makes a purchase, it means a lot. I love chatting with the people who drift in and out of the shop, whether they are local or just passing through. They all have a story to tell, and I really love that interaction.”

Brown added, “It’s hard to believe that a year ago Mockingbird’s anniversary celebration was one of the Cupcake Bar’s first jobs, and now a year later, business is growing with baby showers, weddings, birthday parties, and now with the holidays approaching, some fun Christmas parties. Last year, we did some really great holiday office parties, so I am looking forward to a few more this year.”

She said the Carolina Cupcake Bar is a unique catering experience that customers really have to see to truly appreciate.

“The bar is a distinctive and fun experience for guests at any type of party, and we are thrilled to be invited back to Mockingbird,” Brown said. “It feels like a full circle moment!”

McLaughlin and Brown said they look forward to seeing everyone Saturday as they celebrate another year in business.

“With our current economy, I’d say another year in business is indeed a reason to celebrate,” McLaughlin added.

Mockingbird is at 240 NW Broad St. in downtown Southern Pines. Anyone needing more information can call (910) 692-5338.