Compared to most of the surrounding cities, Suffolk evokes a small-town feel, complete with miles and miles and miles of rural farmland and a strong community that is able to come together when the circumstances call for it. And with new construction bringing big-box stores and popular restaurants to the area, residents are finding more and more reasons to stay in Suffolk.

But it’s the locally owned businesses that really deserve Suffolk’s support. Today, the Suffolk News-Herald gives some of these businesses center stage in a special section devoted to telling the story behind a few of the family-owned businesses in Suffolk.

But I thought I would highlight a newly opened business that exemplifies what makes Suffolk great.

Suffolk-natives Tanya and Clarence West opened Divine Creations, a bakery that specializes in imagining big flavor combinations to showcase in cupcakes, to get back to their roots.

“We wanted to get back to the community, to be in the community that helped us be who we are,” said Clarence West.

The couple, who have been married for 12 years, say owning the cupcakery as husband and wife only makes their business stronger.

“Being married to my best friend, we’re able to bounce ideas off each other. We’ve created a synergy,” said Clarence West.

That synergy has created cupcake flavors ranging from Pineapple-upside-down to Cookies and Cream Dream and many more.

Each flavor has a story behind how it was developed, from a snap decision while Clarence was baking to Tanya wanting to turn a candy bar into a cupcake.

But the most touching story came from the creation of the Karen’s Cupcake for the Cure, my favorite flavor at Divine Creations. Packed with strawberries – in the cake, filling and icing – the pink creation is named for the pastor’s wife of the couple’s church.

“Karen died two years ago after her battle with breast cancer,” said Clarence. “She really impacted our lives.”

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Karen’s Cupcake for the Cure go to breast cancer research. As Breast Cancer Month comes to an end, I am happy to report that the Wests have decided to extend their efforts all year long.

Suffolkians already have proved they can come together in a big way through fundraisers, such as the Relay for Life and the Alzheimer’s Walk.

So it follows that we can easily do smaller, everyday things to make a difference. Like buying cupcakes from Divine Creations, located at 1024 Centerbrooke Lane. You’ll feel good supporting two great causes — breast cancer research and a local business — and your tummy will thank you for supporting its cause — to be filled with as much delicious food as you can handle.