Today we’d like to introduce you to Jean Schapowal.
Jean, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As an art school grad I always thought my career would take me along the route of cartoonist or illustrator. But life had different plans. After starting a family I began to make my kids cakes and people would ask where I had gotten the cakes from. Once they found out I had done them, my little business was born. And I say little because that was how it first started out. But then word of mouth spread and little went to so busy with orders booked 3 years in advance!! I ran this business by myself, from customer service, purchasing, baking, decorating , photography and delivery. But I was able to keep total control, manage competent customer service and network. Over the years my business took me from local customer orders to traveling the country and competing in cakes competitions, appearing on TV, teaching classes and judging competitions. Ive been afforded so many opportunities from magazine features and covers, awards and even representing the US at the World Cake Designers Championships! Who knew doing my kids cakes would lead to this?!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been smooth. My husband suffered from health issues attributed to 9/11 and was hospitalized numerous times. So being that it was just me, I had to enlist friends and neighbors to handle deliveries or to get my kids to and from after school activities. Covid also dealt a blow and I went from luxury cakes to smaller scaled down versions. But my years of networking made it easier to get supplies during those trying times and to still be able to provide for my customers.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Im the cake artist and owner of Cakes with Character located on Long Island in New York. I specialize in everything from simple birthday cakes to gravity defying creations! I do numerous Bar and Bat Mitzvah cakes here on Long Island and Im known for my bold , cartoony style! Over the years Ive gone from simple sheet cakes to huge tiered and sculpted creations! Im most proud of being a 2x Team USA competitor in the World Cake designer Championships where we went up against 11 other countries and competed in Italy. Besides being a proud moment it was also an honor to represent the US at this prestigious competition!
I think my art background and being a cartooning major has set my work apart from others. Im known for my bold colors and “pop” style!
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Im always on Instagram, promoting my work and also looking for new talent. I love finding new artists and discovering new techniques!
Pricing:
- Cost of supplies, my time, # of servings and the final design are all part of the basis for my pricing.
- Not one cake is ever the same price as another. Each one comes with its own set of issues.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cakeswithcharacterbyjean.com
- Instagram: @momschap
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momschap
- Other: Tik Tok – @Jean_A_Rettmer_Schapowal
