Today we’d like to introduce you to Janice Lopez.
Hi Janice, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Baking is something I’ve always loved to do, from a very young age I’ve always been in the kitchen. I moved to Miami to attend Johnson & Wales University, where I received a culinary degree in baking and pastry arts. I’ve mostly worked in hotels throughout my career, and like most people in our industry, I found myself laid off as a result of COVID-19.
For the first time in 10+ years, I found myself with a lot of free time on my hands, which for me means extra time in the kitchen and more time to spend with family. I was baking a lot from home and started making birthday cakes for friends and family members until one day one of my cousins said I should start selling them. I quickly came up with a name and logo and started promoting my cookies, cakes and brownies to friends. As south FL started operating back to” normal”, I eventually went back to work but J. Bakes was also growing faster than I anticipated. I quit my job to focus on my own brand and here I am less than six months later, doing what I love every single day for more than just friends and family.
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?
There’s no such thing as a smooth road! 2020 has definitely taught us all that. The biggest challenge I face every day is a competition. There are so many established chefs in South Florida, hundreds of bakeries, and a Publix or Whole Foods in every neighborhood. Every day I need to come up with new ways to set myself apart. I’ve experienced everything in the kitchen, cuts, burns, falling cakes. You name it. All of these challenges are what allow us to learn and grow, I do my best to embrace the full journey, the good and the bad!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in custom desserts, from cakes to cookies, brownies and dessert boxes. I think we can all agree that just about everyone has a sweet tooth, but everyone likes different things. For that reason, the variety in what I offer is super important. I love building relationships with people and not only getting to know them but creating something for their tastebuds that satisfies all their needs. I would say that’s what sets me apart. When you place an order with me, it’s not just about the desserts. It’s about your flavor palette, your favorite color, your go-to cocktail, or even a joke between you and your friends.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Diversity and weather! Growing up in NY, I was exposed to a little bit of everything, people from all over the world and all four seasons. Although I do miss fall leaves, living in a warm climate all year round definitely has its perks. I’ve had clients from all over the world, and being able to cater to so many different cultures is beautiful. As great as it is to not have to shovel snow and being able to host outdoor events all year round, there’s nothing worse than making a cake and having it melt under the Florida sun.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: jbakess.com
- Instagram: @jbakess_
