Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanya Jackson.
Hi Tanya, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey with baking traces back to my childhood days filled with apple picking in the fall and strawberry adventures in the summer with my mom; those moments in the kitchen, whipping up everything from pies to jams, sparked a lifelong passion for creating sweet treats. In high school, I decided to make lemon meringue pie. It was more challenging than I thought, and after many failed experiments, I finally got it right. However, I’ve made my folks swear off it for life after 20+ tries to perfect the recipe. After high school, I realized I was creative as I figured out how to be an adult. I loved to do everything from scrapbooking to knitting. I dove headfirst into every new craft that caught my eye, but none took. I returned to baking and found that I am an artist and sugar is my medium. I am a cake artist. However, I knew I wanted something financially more stable and to be a nurse, so that’s my path. I have been a proud pedi RN for 21 years. After much soul-searching and a detour into nursing, I realized my heart belonged in the kitchen. So, in 2015, with a little push from my fantastic family and a heap of courage, I opened the doors to Special Treats by Tanya! Since then, I’ve enjoyed whipping up delightful cakes and desserts for family, friends, and wonderful folks like you. While we’re game for any occasion, we’ve recently honed in on crafting dreamy wedding cakes and dessert tables. I am also married to my fantastic husband Alex for 18 years and share 2 amazing children, Hayden and London.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Reflecting on my journey, a couple of challenges come to mind. First off, believing in myself was a big one. Without my family’s unwavering support and belief, I doubt I would have taken that initial leap. Over time, though, I’ve proven I’ve got what it takes and am good at it! Another hurdle has been finding that elusive work-life balance. Being a solopreneur means constantly juggling between moving my business forward and ensuring I have quality time for family and other obligations. It’s a delicate dance, but one I’m determined to master. Despite these challenges, I’m grateful for the journey and the lessons learned along the way. They’ve only made me stronger and more resilient in pursuing my passion for baking.
I appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Special Treats by Tanya?
We’re a licensed and insured Cottage Bakery nestled in East Orlando, dedicated to crafting mouthwatering luxury desserts that make every occasion extra special. Our specialty? Fresh-to-order, scratch-made cakes and meticulously curated dessert tables that are as delicious as they are visually stunning.
What sets us apart? Well, we’re all about quality. We pride ourselves on using only the finest organic, non-GMO ingredients whenever possible. We understand that what you put into your body matters, even when indulging in sweet treats. So, we make it our mission to provide you with desserts that taste amazing and offer better-for-you ingredients. But it’s not just about what’s on the inside; it’s also about the details. We’re known for our keen eye for detail and dedication to bringing your vision to life. Whether it’s a wedding, birthday, or any special event, we believe in personalizing each creation to match your theme and ideas perfectly. Your celebration deserves nothing less than a truly unique and unforgettable dessert experience!
What makes us most proud is our unwavering commitment to our mission. We take immense pride in crafting top-notch cakes and desserts using only the finest ingredients while never compromising on flavor or creativity. Our ability to deliver quality and show-stopping designs sets us apart.
What we want your readers to know is that we collaborate closely with our clients to turn their dreams into reality. From the initial consultation to the final bite, we pour our hearts into every detail, ensuring that each cake and dessert reflects your style and personality.
As for our offerings, we’ve got you covered with custom cakes, a variety of delectable pastries, and chocolate-dipped desserts. We also cater to corporate events and offer gifting options for those special moments that deserve a sweet touch. We offer community classes, and we always have delivery options to make your experience as seamless as possible.
How do you define success?
To me, success means doing what makes you happy. Living out your purpose is a feeling of pure satisfaction and pride. It’s about leaving behind a meaningful legacy for those you care about and cherishing every moment of the journey, not just reaching the end goal. Success is also about positively impacting the world and knowing that your efforts have made a difference for the better.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.specialtreatsbytanya.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Specialtreatsbytanya/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/specialtreatsbytanya
- Yelp: www.yelp.com/specialtreatsbytanya
- Other: www.tiktock.com/specialtreatsbytanya

Image Credits
Portrayable Photography, Sunshine Photography Studio
