Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenni Bailey.
Hi Jenni, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story began with me telling myself “I can’t do that!”, “No way would that work.” My friends and family had been telling me for several years that I should sell my cakes, but I just didn’t think it was realistic. I saw the flaws in my cakes where they saw potential. Gradually, I began to let myself dream about the possibility of creating a home bakery. The timing was right – our son was headed off to college. I breached the idea with my husband, who was totally on board from the start. So, I did the research, tested countless recipes, and got to work.
People usually assume I have been baking for a long time, but that’s not the case. Aside from the occasional treats for my family and friends, I had no real experience baking. But, I had a desire to prove that cakes could look beautiful AND taste amazing! It didn’t have to be one or the other. In fact for me, it had to be both. That was success defined for me. So, I began my journey in the summer of 2023. There have been plenty of ups and downs, but I am so thankful to be where I am today!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I would not call the road “perfectly smooth”. My skills improved with each cake I made, but being a perfectionist can be discouraging and draining. I see the flaws in every cake, and trying to make each one “perfect” has cost me hours and hours of overthinking.
There has certainly been self doubt on this road. And I have discovered the physical limitations that come with working incredibly long hours as well (although that is a boundary I continually push). All in all, though, I have been incredibly blessed over these past 2 1/2 years.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As previously mentioned, I strive to create beautiful cakes. And what is more beautiful than flowers?! I grew up rambling around my mom’s garden – she was constantly tending it and making it lovely. Her love of flowers (especially roses) certainly rubbed off on me. I actually considered flower farming for a brief time. But, when I began my cottage bakery, I knew I wanted to incorporate florals into my cakes. I wanted to create beautiful, edible flowers, and so I took a course online and started practicing making buttercream florals. Now, my floral cupcakes have become a staple in my business. They are a frequent request by customers. And I absolutely love making them! I have never considered myself an artist, but I always wanted to be. To this day, my drawing skills peak at stick figures, but creating little flowers and mini bouquets on cakes and cupcakes, that I can do! I firmly believe the Lord gave this to me when I was ready for it!
How do you define success?
Ultimately, success in my business is creating cakes that look beautiful AND taste amazing! Success is when I am able to create a cake for someone and they know without a doubt that cake was made just for them. Every single cake I make is custom, it’s special. I am either adding to or taking away from someone’s celebration. It is an absolute honor to be asked to create a memorable and delicious centerpiece for someone’s special event. But, success also happens behind the scenes. It happens in the day in and day out of baking and creating. Integrity is foundational in my small business, and while perfectionism is never truly attainable, excellence is. And I am thankful to be able to say that I strive for excellence in every aspect of my business.
Pricing:
- Floral cupcakes start at $5.75 each.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Sugaredbakeshop.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesugaredbakeshop
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/thesugaredbakeshop
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/LP2nNwagZa
Image Credits
Grace Noelle Media
Crys Brooke Photo
