Today we’d like to introduce you to Monique Hill.
Monique, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
The beginning of Just Baked: Cupcake Bar & Bakery started off at home in Somerset, New Jersey. It began with the love of baking from my Father, Renaldo Hill. My father was a man who loved to bake and enjoyed making his own desserts from scratch. In fact, he enjoyed the craft so much he eventually became competitive with it and would host bake off battles with a few family members including myself. My Mother, Theresa Hill and two sisters Me’Lisa Hill and Tamara Hill would be subjected to choosing the best dessert between my Father and I. Homemade cakes from my Dad represented love but most importantly it represented home. In 2012 unexpectedly, my father was diagnosed with two forms of cancer which shook my family to the core. Even though my Father would be struggling due to complication from cancer, he wouldn’t let it stop him and would still find strength to make a cake. My Father’s passion for baking always put a smile on our faces. My Father fought a great fight but unfortunately, in 2014, he lost his battle. Before my Father passed, I promised him that I would start a business in his memory.
After losing my Father, all I could think about was making this promise reality. So, I practiced and learned how to bake. I tried making his favorite cakes and even tried things we both never baked before. Baking became therapeutic to me but also rewarding because I knew I was on the way to making my promise real. I decided to start my catering company Just Baked: Cupcake Bar & Bakery on my Father’s Birthday. So, on January 4th, 2017, I began selling cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. Just Baked is a confectionary catering company that does cake classes, decadent dessert tables, and custom cakes for any event. We also offer special packages during holiday seasons to customers. Since beginning Just Baked: Cupcake Bar & Bakery, I have met some of the most amazing people and customers. I have also had the opportunity to do cakes for many influencers of Atlanta. As I continue to grow my business, I hope everyday that I’m making my Father proud. One of my biggest goals is that I would like to be able to open up a store front and send a portion of my sale proceeds to the Cancer Treatment Centers of Atlanta and cancer research.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It’s never a smooth road when you’re passionate about something. When starting a company and investing in yourself, you can hit a lot of roadblocks. I have been hit with many different factors with having my own catering company. You have to have tough skin when trying to build your empire. Baking can be stressful, and you have to be comfortable with the fact that you will make mistakes. Making mistakes is just inevitable but they are also the greatest learning lesson for you. With that being said, I have made plenty mistakes but even more successes.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Just Baked: Cupcake Bar & Bakery provides our customers with decadent desserts and custom cakes for any event and theme. We pride ourselves on the fact that all of our cakes are made from scratch. We also have a long list of flavors and flavor combos that we offer our clients. We are known for our light and fluffy buttercream and our “home sweet home” taste. What I’m most proud of my company for is that we have very loyal customers that have become our family. Our customers help to make baking feel more like a hobby than a job. There is so much talent in Atlanta when it comes to bakers. I don’t want to strictly say that my company has something better than another company because “caking” isn’t easy. I’m a huge supporter of other bakers like myself that are grinding one cake at a time!
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was so silly and loved to have fun. Those who know me will say that I’m outgoing, I love to laugh, I’m hardworking, and dependable. I was raised in New Jersey until my adult life. I had a great childhood and came from parents whose workmanship helped to mold who I am today. I have always been a person who valued family more than anything. My family had their own traditions on how we would bring everyone together such as Sunday morning breakfasts. Growing up I valued those moments so much. As I still get older, I value the importance of Family because you can never take your loved ones for granted. I always thought of my future and was curious where I would be. Today, I am very proud of the woman I see in the mirror.
Contact Info:
- Email: JustBakedATL@gmail.com
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