Jay Cupcake Named a 2023 "40 Under 40" Business Leader

Written By Jay Cupcake

Becoming a business leader is about more than just numbers; it’s about community, impact, and authenticity. I am incredibly honored to share that I have been named one of the 2023 40 Under 40 Business Leaders by the Colorado LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce!

Celebrating Queer Leadership

This award recognizes 40 outstanding LGBTQ+ professionals under the age of 40 who are making a significant difference in Colorado’s business landscape. Being included in this cohort is a powerful reminder that our unique perspectives as queer creators are not just valued—they are essential to a thriving, diverse economy.

For me, "Jay Cupcake Photography" has always been a way to bridge the gap between business and art, ensuring that our community’s most vibrant performers and personalities are captured with the professional excellence they deserve.

A Community of Excellence

Standing alongside 39 other trailblazers is a humbling experience. This list represents everything from healthcare and tech to the arts and non-profits. Seeing my own face among such a talented group of leaders reinforces my commitment to growing my business while staying rooted in the community that makes my work possible.

Thank You

I want to extend a massive thank you to the Colorado LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce for this recognition and for their tireless work in supporting queer-owned businesses across the state. To my clients, collaborators, and friends: this achievement is as much yours as it is mine. Thank you for trusting my vision and supporting my small business!

Jay Cupcake

I’ve always believed that a great portrait is a collaboration, not just a click of a shutter. My name is Jay, and for over a decade, I’ve been capturing the vibrant, the surreal, and the unapologetically authentic. Recently relocated from the mountains of Colorado to the Twin Cities, I bring an editorial eye and a 'laughter-first' philosophy to every session.

My work spans the spectrum of the human experience—from photographing the Mayor of Denver for Civilian Magazine to creating high-concept digital collages featuring the icons of the drag and variety scene. Whether I’m building a complex 100-layer digital piece or capturing a clean, professional headshot, my goal is to make my subjects feel like the most powerful version of themselves. I don't just take pictures; I help personalities shine through.

https://www.jaycupcake.com
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