Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer (Jen) Pedersen.
Jennifer, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
This journey officially started for me as a bored stay at home mom to two amazing little girls. I’ve always enjoyed cooking, baking and flexing my creativity muscle. One day, I made a tray of treats for my husband to share with his coworkers just for fun. The lovely public relations ladies said they would hire me for their events. I was floored! I had really struggled with giving up my ambitions, drive, and desire to contribute financially. (I was formerly a very independent overachiever.) This opportunity brought back a spark of my former self. A small business was born… in Atlanta.
Just a few months later, we moved to Dallas. I had to start from scratch, only knowing one person. She also worked in public relations for my husband’s employer. She gave me my official start here.
From there, things really started to take off when my daughter started kindergarten. I brought my treats to just about any gathering there was. I’m the worst at self-promotion, so just bringing treats was what I was comfortable with. It was then that my business of… cake pops… started to gain momentum.
In the next two to three years, my business slowly grew at a pace I was comfortable with. Then the demand for cake pops shifted to cookies. I had to teach myself a whole new skill set. Since then, I’ve been very busy honing my skills, building my business and raising my girls. It’s a good thing I really enjoy working hard! I owe every success to the community of Lake Highlands for steadily supporting me and elevating my little business into something I’m very proud of.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I’ve never encountered a smooth road. This journey has come with a lot of persistence, patience, hard work and determination. Nothing has been handed to me. I have struggled over thousands of cookies to get where I am and there is still so much room for improvement and growth. I take nothing for granted.
I am constantly looking for inspiration and ways to improve my business and my craft.
The biggest thing I’ve learned is to say yes and figure it out. So many great opportunities have started this way for me.
This baking community is amazingly supportive. I’m so grateful to the many who have helped me along the way. I can only hope I’ve offered the same in return.
We’d love to hear more about a Dancing Baker.
I started out offering detailed cake pops but demand has shifted to detailed cookies with royal icing.
My business is called a Dancing Baker for two reasons: I danced for about 20 years and I often listen to music while baking and decorating. For me, when there’s music there’s dancing.
Honestly, I’m most proud that so many have repeatedly trusted me in contributing just a small part to their very special days and memories. It’s a huge privilege and I’m so grateful for it.
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
I will say that this particular slice of the industry is kind to women. But with anything you do, what sets you apart is confidence, hard work and proving anyone wrong who doubts you. I like to say “the biggest mistake you can make is to doubt me”.
Pricing:
- I require a minimum of a dozen
- My detailed cookies are around $42/doz
Contact Info:
- Website: adancingbaker.com
- Email: adancingbaker@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adancingbaker/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ADancingBaker
Image Credit:
Professional pictures and makeup by Deanna Boyd, Cookie pictures by Jen Pedersen
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
