Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Layne.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started making and decorating cakes in college at Texas Tech university. I was studying to be a Marine Biologist at the time, and after failing most of my biology classes, I decided it probably wasn’t for me. I started an entrepreneur program in the business college, that lead me to the idea of opening a bakery in my home town of Flower Mound.
I worked on my business plan for 2 years and moved home after graduating to implement it. What I thought would take me 6 months, actually took me 3.5 years. I started making cakes from my mom’s apartment until I was busy enough to open my store front. The art and design of cake making is what feeds my passion. I have always thought of myself as an artist. Not necessarily a baker. I find the challenge of making something beautiful and unique out of edible material very intriguing. Hard work and dedication to my vision is what has gotten me to the place I am today. I recently purchased an old school house and converted it into a 2 bedroom bakery with a walk in cooler and soon to be small event venue. The people I work with, and the customers who support us, are what make the long hours and working everyday worth it.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
God no. Nothing comes easy in this industry. You have to be on your toes and ready for anything to go wrong. I feel levels of anxiety that I didn’t know existed. For the most part, yes, the job itself is easy. The behind the scenes organizing, planning, and preparing is where the chaos ensues. Walk in coolers shutting off for no reason, humidity levels prohibiting baked goods from raising, customers showing up and orders not being ready, missing, or decorated incorrectly. I mean, it’s 103 degrees outside in the summertime and you want me to put this cake outside?!?! Are you kidding me?! These are the challenges I face, and it’s nothing I can’t handle. After 10 years of running this business, I am able to prevent the little mishaps. Now if I could just figure out how to make more money….
The Jenny Layne Bakery – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My business specializes in custom cakes. We love the challenge of building a 5-foot motorcycle, or hanging a cake upside down from the ceiling. We also specialize in the pretty, elegant, and classic styles of wedding cake decorating. I appreciate the white on white classic style, but I LOVE when a bride wants something artistic. A statement piece for her event that is eaten and enjoyed by everyone after being viewed. The team I have created are misfits. We want to do things differently from other bakeries. We want to make YOU think outside of the box. We are business majors, architects, and artists. We are here to provide one on one consultations, and superb customer service. At the end of the day, we CARE that you are happy and satisfied with every aspect of your cake.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is waking up every day and being excited to come to work. To work alongside my team and know that we all truly love what we do. We recently were featured on the cooking channel. My goal when I opened the storefront was to be on TV in 5 years. Achieved! It’s nice to have a steady revenue because we are able to provide a fantastic product. We are booking cakes with over a year notice! I never thought that would happen. We are known all over DFW, and it is truly a blessing to have the reputation we are constantly striving for.
Contact Info:
- Address: 815 Stonecrest Rd.,
Argyle, TX 76226 - Website: www.Jennylaynebakery.com
- Phone: 9726912253
- Email: Thejennylaynebakery@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/thejennylaynebakery
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/thejennylaynebakery
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/JL_Bakery
- Other: www.pinterest.com/JLbakery
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