Cupcake Emporium Finishes Second in Cupcake Wars

Cupcake Emporium owner Tawnya Zerr and her assistant took another shot at the Food Network's Cupcake Wars in an episode that aired last weekend, reports the Ames Tribune.

Zerr and her assistant Katherine Hickman appeared in an all Iowa episode recently and were asked to return for a second time in which they were asked to make treats using Marilyn Monroe's favorite ingredients.

“We’re super proud of what we did,” Zerr told the Tribune. “We loved everything from decorations to flavors, and we’re just glad we got that far.”

The former welder opened the cupcake shop in July of 2010.

Zerr, who majored in welding, hoped to open a vintage clothing and furniture store but went with cupcakes when she couldn't find a place in Ames that served them.

“I just really wanted a cupcake,” Zerr said.

In doing some research online she discovered, “Holy crap this is a thing.”

Zerr appeared on an episode that aired in July and took second place in this most recent episode.