Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Jurado Arroyo.
Hi Jessica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Jessica and I was born and raised in Puerto Rico. About eight years ago, I moved to Florida to finish my bachelor’s in Psychology and my Master’s in Clinical Psychology. I had always enjoyed baking, but no one in my family knew how to and I rarely had time for it since I was studying most of the time.
In 2017, my parents decided to gift me a KitchenAid and I decided that it was time to learn how to bake and understand the science behind it. I delved into baking blogs and countless YouTube videos and experimented with many recipes from breads to cakes.
A year later, I enrolled in my first college baking class and I absolutely loved it. In June 2020, I started my own baking business in Kissimmee: Baked by Jess. I now hold a Pastry Chef’s Apprentice technical certificate from Valencia College and I offer cakes, donuts, breads, and other sweets & treats as part of my menu. I have received an overwhelming support from the community and I am forever grateful to be able to “bake someone’s day.” I look forward to continue to grow personally and professionally and to be able to open my own bakery in the near future.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Opening a small business in the midst of a pandemic has been everything but smooth. Growing the business, advertising it, getting the word out has been the most challenging part. However, I try to stay as active as possible in social media and to reply to all inquiries within 24 business hours.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Baked by Jess is an online bakery in Kissimmee, Florida that specializes in cake donuts, letter/number cakes, breads, and other sweets & treats. We also offer catering for special events and dessert tables.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
It takes time, don’t get discouraged and keep going. Social media can sometimes give out the impression that small businesses are easy to start and blow out right away… that is not the norm. However, if you work hard it will happen.
Contact Info:
- Email: Bakedbyjessfl@gmail.com
- Website: Linktr.ee/bakedbyjessfl
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/bakedbyjessfl
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/bakedbyjessfl
