Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Young.
Hi Jonathan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started The Cozy Oven in the fall of 2024 as a small passion project, baking out of my home kitchen and selling at local markets. What began as a creative outlet quickly turned into something much bigger when I saw how people connected to the food not just because it tasted good, but because it felt nostalgic, comforting, and made with care.
From the beginning, I was intentional about quality. I focused on developing recipes from scratch, refining them again and again until they were exactly what I’d want to serve my own family. Cinnamon rolls quickly became our signature, and from there the menu grew to include loaves, muffins, and seasonal items that reflect that same cozy, homemade feel.
As demand grew, so did my vision. I invested time into building a strong brand, showing up consistently at markets, and creating genuine relationships with customers and the local community. In less than a year, The Cozy Oven grew from a side hustle into a full-time business, and today it continues to expand through markets, custom orders, and new opportunities on the horizon.
Where I’m at now is the result of a lot of long nights, trial and error, and trusting the process but at the heart of it all, The Cozy Oven is still about creating baked goods that feel warm, familiar, and made with love.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Starting a food business from home comes with a steep learning curve, and I’ve had to figure out everything on my own from recipe development and food costs to marketing, branding, and logistics.
One of the biggest challenges was scaling. When demand started to grow, I had to learn how to produce consistently at a higher volume while maintaining quality, all within the limits of a home kitchen. There were also financial challenges early on investing in ingredients, packaging, equipment, and branding before the business was consistently profitable required a lot of faith and discipline.
Another struggle was visibility. Even with an amazing product, getting people to discover a small local brand takes time. Building an audience, showing up to markets, and putting myself out there through social media and outreach was uncomfortable at first, but it’s been one of the most important parts of growing The Cozy Oven.
That said, every challenge helped shape the business. The setbacks forced me to refine my processes, get serious about the business side of baking, and stay focused on long-term growth. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The Cozy Oven is a from-scratch bakery rooted in comfort, quality, and intention. We specialize in handcrafted baked goods that feel nostalgic and familiar think soft, gooey cinnamon rolls, tender loaves, and classic muffins but elevated through careful recipe development and high-quality ingredients.
What we’re best known for are our cinnamon rolls. They’ve become our signature item and the foundation of the brand, with customers coming back again and again for their softness, balanced sweetness, and consistency. Beyond that, we focus on loaves and seasonal offerings that reflect the same cozy, homemade feel while still feeling special enough for celebrations, gifts, and events.
What truly sets The Cozy Oven apart is the level of care behind every detail. From recipe testing and ingredient sourcing to packaging, branding, and customer experience, nothing is rushed or mass-produced. Every item is made in small batches, and every decision is intentional. I’m deeply involved in every part of the process, which allows the brand to stay authentic as it grows.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the trust we’ve built with our customers. People don’t just buy from The Cozy Oven once they come back, bring friends, and make our products part of their traditions. That sense of community and connection means everything to me.
What I want readers to know is that The Cozy Oven isn’t just about baked goods it’s about creating moments of comfort. Whether it’s a cinnamon roll shared at the breakfast table, a loaf gifted to a friend, or a box picked up at a local market, the goal is always the same: to make people feel at home with every bite.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories is being in the kitchen with my dad while something was baking. He didn’t rush the process he let me help, ask questions, and just be present. The house would fill with that warm, comforting smell, and it always felt like time slowed down in those moments.
Those experiences stuck with me more than I realized. Looking back now, they shaped my love for baking and the meaning behind it. That sense of patience, care, and togetherness is something I try to bring into everything I make at The Cozy Oven.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thecozyoven.co
