At just 16, Anney Norton (IMA ’23) moved from Los Angeles to New York City for college, stepping into a cramped dorm room she shared with seven other students and a single bathroom. Amid the chaos, she dreamt of something extraordinary. “What if I created a bakery that wasn’t just about cupcakes, but about joy—something whimsical, unique, and truly special?” she wondered. For Norton, baking cupcakes wasn’t just a business idea; it was a way to cope with the overwhelming changes in her life. What started as a source of comfort soon evolved into a way to spread joy to others.
That “crazy dorm room dream” has since blossomed into two vibrant businesses: A Cuter Cupcake, celebrated for its playful and personalized designs, and Dream Tea NYC, which offers customizable organic tea blends that bring a personal touch to every cup. In 2022, Norton took her entrepreneurial journey to new heights by enrolling in the Interactive Media Arts Low-Residency (IMA Low Res) Master’s program jointly offered by NYU Shanghai and NYU Tisch School of the Arts. Today, her work has been recognized by Forbes, Buzzfeed, Food Network, and more, serving as a testament to her creativity, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Norton with her signature cupcakes from A Cuter Cupcake in NYC
“Your Story is Your Strength”
Born in Shanghai and raised in Los Angeles, Norton’s life has been shaped by transitions. Moving to the U.S. at age seven, she faced the challenges of adapting to a new language and culture. “I had to learn quickly—it wasn’t easy, but it made me who I am today,” she shared.
Her entrepreneurial journey began in her senior year at Parsons School of Design, where her senior thesis project became the foundation for A Cuter Cupcake. “I wanted to create something that could genuinely brighten someone’s day,” Norton explained. Later, during the pandemic, this vision expanded with the creation of Dream Tea NYC, inspired by her love for tea and her cultural roots. “I realized how impersonal most tea options were. I wanted to give people the chance to create their own blends—something that felt truly theirs.”
Norton presenting her customizable tea blends from Dream Tea NYC
“Of course, I have had moments of doubt” Norton credits her parents and partner, Ian, for supporting her dreams. “Sometimes, all it takes is one person to believe in you,” she said. “That belief gave me the confidence to keep going, even when things were tough.”
As an Asian American woman, Norton has faced the challenges that come with being a minority entrepreneur. “The odds can feel stacked against you, but your identity is your strength. It’s what makes your story unique,” she said. Her businesses reflect this perspective. Whether it’s a cupcake designed to celebrate a personal milestone or a tea blend infused with a meaningful message, Norton’s creations go beyond products; they empower people to embrace their individuality.
“I hope to inspire young women—especially those in the AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) community—to chase their dreams, no matter how unconventional. Your story is your strength,” she said.
“A Room of Classmates Believing in Me”
Despite her early successes, Norton wanted to enhance her creative and technical expertise to bring her businesses to new heights. In 2022, she joined the IMA program, drawn to its interdisciplinary focus and global structure. “IMA was the best of both worlds—it let me study in New York, Berlin, and Shanghai while still balancing my businesses,” she said.
Norton engaging with peers during an IMA Low Res class on Zoom
The IMA Low Res program profoundly impacted Norton’s design process, particularly during her Thesis 1 course. Before IMA, she relied heavily on her intuition when designing products and features. While intuition remains an integral part of her approach, she learned to embrace the feedback cycle as a powerful tool for creative growth. “There used to be a lot of fear around asking for input and sharing designs that were not fully polished or market-ready,” she shared. “IMA normalized asking for feedback. Thesis 1 taught me how to leverage the feedback cycle to gain valuable insights from diverse perspectives.”
Norton’s IMA thesis project, "Self Talk to Self Confidence: Inspiring Women through Positive Affirmations" revolved around affirmations and female empowerment. It required her to have open and vulnerable conversations with women about their struggles, fears, and hopes. “Hearing their openness and stories helped alleviate my trepidations,” Norton reflected. “Now, when I start designing a cupcake set for A Cuter Cupcake or a tea tin for Dream Tea NYC, I’ll have an ‘Oh, I wonder what [insert name] would think about this!’ moment and I’ll ask them.”
A Snapshot of Norton’s Thesis Project
This shift has not only improved her designs but also added unique perspectives to her work, reinforcing the collaborative ethos that defines IMA. “Adding unique points of view from friends, classmates, and strangers has ultimately improved my overall creative process.” Norton shared.
“IMA empowered me to approach big problems with an open mind and explore the landscape of their solutions with the support of my professors and peers,” Norton reflected. “Having an entire room full of classmates believing in me—it’s hard to overstate how empowering that was.”
Joy in Longevity
Today, Norton’s businesses continue to thrive, spreading joy and inspiring others to celebrate their individuality. For her, the ultimate goal isn’t just success—it’s longevity. “I don’t want my businesses to be a fleeting trend. I want them to be around long enough to make a real impact,” she said.
Norton credits the IMA program with giving her the tools to think boldly and design with intention. From her thesis project to her entrepreneurial ventures, she exemplifies the program’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and making a difference. “IMA taught me that creativity thrives when we embrace diverse perspectives and push boundaries,” she said.
From a tiny dorm room in New York City to the pages of Forbes, Norton’s story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the transformative power of graduate education. With A Cuter Cupcake, Dream Tea NYC, and her empowering digital projects, she continues to bake joy and brew creativity—one cupcake, one cup of tea, and one positive affirmation at a time.