Today we’d like to introduce you to Jade Miller.
Hi Jade, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve been baking for as long as I can remember. Some of my best memories are of holiday baking each year with both of my grandmothers. And I wanted to give those memories to my children as well. I’ve always used baking as a creative outlet, trying new recipes, drawing out designs, and filling notebooks with lists of flavors. I never realized it could be a full-time career, and I was a single mom wanting to support myself and my son, so I went to college and earned a degree in finance, something I thought was a strong, stable career choice. Then everything changed when I had my daughter, and I began making extravagant birthday cakes for both of my kids and creating my recipes for cakes, fillings, and frostings. Each family member would receive a special cake, and after posting cake pictures to social media, friends began asking if I could make cakes for them. From there, I decided to start what I thought would only be a small side business, but my business has grown each year exponentially, and I couldn’t be happier. I fell in love with creating something special for each person who asked, and hearing how much they enjoyed everything and how happy their kids were makes everything much more special. I especially love getting pictures of moms showing me their happy kids with their special cakes. The ultimate dream is to have my little shop one day where my kids can come and spend time with me, and I can lead by example, showing them that they can do anything. I’m a single mom of two amazing kids, working every day to build something for our future, and I’m so excited each step of the way.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Everything in life has some struggles, and this is no different. I’m a single mom of two trying to run a business and build a future for my kids, and it’s exhausting. Right now, the biggest struggle is trying to work toward my next development step. I know what I want my business to become. Still, it’s tough doing everything on my own, from customer communication to actual creating, to social media and website maintenance, and everything in between, while still ensuring quality time with both of my kids.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I consider myself an artist in the kitchen. I love creating and designing cakes, as well as working with chocolate. There’s something so satisfying about perfectly tempered chocolate, getting that shine, and making custom, handmade elements for cakes and treats that you know were made just for you. I’m most proud of my ability to learn because everything I make teaches me something new, and I’m excited about everything I have yet to discover. My flavors, techniques, and creative style set me apart from others. I’m a perfectionist, and I will scrape a cake completely down and restart if it’s not exactly what I envisioned. I will spend countless hours on each cake or treat to ensure it exceeds all expectations. I originally based my flavors on the late Sylvia Weinstock’s recipes–then I began adjusting them to make them my own, resulting in a buttercream, unlike anything you’ve ever tasted. I love learning from the expertise of cake geniuses and molding what I’ve learned to create my unique blend of everything I love for flavor and design.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you, and are any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
From Covid, I’ve learned that we could all use a lot more kindness now than ever. I always aim to give a little extra whenever I have the chance. Just doing a little more, caring a little more, and always putting my best self out there. I deal with many parents wanting to make their children’s birthdays more special than ever because “Covid ruined their last birthday,” which I, unfortunately, hear a lot. And I resonate with that–giving your kids the world is all any parent wants. So I take the extra time to listen and work with everyone and help any way I can, even if it’s just with a super special cake or treats.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.JustSugarBakery.com
- Instagram: @justsugarbakery
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/justsugarbakery
