Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Hettenhouse.
Hi Jennifer , 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?
I missed my daughter’s first birthday. I was in the hospital battling pneumonia and was absolutely heartbroken. I knew that first birthday is more for me than for her, but it was still gut wrenching. No smash cake. No birthday presents. No party. No celebration.
The following year, I devoted myself to going above and beyond and ended up making a really horrible cake. Actually, I made several really horrible cakes before I finally had one come out that looked pretty decent. I learned something about myself back then; I had a raw talent. I just needed to work with it to make it shine.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Absolutely not. The road was paved with all sorts of obstacles.
I am 100% self taught, though I joke that did attend YouTube Cake University. I have lost count along the way of how many cakes have failed. I learned the hard way about internal support structures for larger cakes. I cried real tears over cakes that were not working right. I lost hours of sleep on cakes that took longer than I realized. I have had cakes collapse.
Thankfully, I have way more successes than failures these days. But there in the beginning? I almost gave up. It was hard, real hard. I am glad I kept going.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I created edible art.
I specialize in buttercream; I am actually pretty proud of how smooth I can make it. But I also am equally skilled in fondant. And I can rock out some really awesome 3D carved cakes. My gum paste florals are hyper realistic and my gum paste toppers are just adorable.
I think what set me a part is I have such a wide range of skillsets. I dig a good challenge, so having such a varying arsenal of skills makes it easier for me to accept orders other bakers typically cannot. I like being outside the box. I think that is what my clients enjoy as well.
What matters most to you?
Family.
Everything I do is for them. I started baking because of my daughter. I started my business because both my husband and child encouraging me to do so. This is my business, but it is actually ours. We do it together. They are the working parts on the inside, the behind the scenes heroes. I am nothing without them.
Pricing:
- My cakes start at $6/serving and go up from there
- My carved cakes start at $250
- My minimum order requirement is $200
- Cake Tastings are available the 1st Sunday of each month for $35
- All cakes are custom quoted
Contact Info:
- Email: jen@zubcakes.com
- Website: www.zubcakes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zub_cakes/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zubcakes
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/zubcakes-buford
- Other: https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-cakes-desserts/zubcakes
Image Credits
Truck Cake: Sheila River Weddings Lunar Cake: Bewitched & Bewed Photo Co Nude Sail: Emmaria Photo Blush Pearl: ZubCakes Floral Boho: Trinity Faith Photography Tim Burton Inspired: Nala Jolie Photography Palette Knife Buttercream: ZubCakes Military Boot: ZubCakes
