Time to meet the lady behind the apron - Jen baker
where it all began
I’ve always had a passion for baking, all thanks to my wonderful grandma and my mum who loved a good Bero recipe. From being small I always loved to help in the kitchen and lick the spoons obviously!
After my daughter was born in 2005 I wanted to do something that was just for me so I joined a local evening class to learn cake decorating and instantly fell in love with all things cake. My lovely teacher, Barbara was an inspiration and my cake buddy Cheryl, who I sat next to is still a friend to this day.
I started to practise my new skills, making cakes for friends and family, until demand grew and it became time to start my own business. I continued to work full time whilst getting Jen’s House of Cakes off the ground, however, I was growing increasingly unhappy at work so I made one of the biggest decisions of my life and left to run my self-made business full-time.
the birth of a business
Cue, January 2009. It felt amazing to not be dragging myself into a job I’d come to hate but also daunting to be on my own and responsible for everything. With no-one to delegate to, I had to wear every hat in the business and be accountable for everything. Luckily with a degree that was part website design and multimedia I was able to set up my own website. I invested in a new logo design and all the paperwork I would need. I slowly built up my customer base and am so honoured to still be baking cakes for some of the families who trusted me all the way back in 2009. It’s been amazing to see their children grow up over the years.
I’ve always made cakes for all occasions: birthdays, christenings, anniversaries, weddings, engagements, baby showers … so during COVID I was very lucky to still be getting enquiries albeit for smaller cakes for home-based celebrations. It was nice to still be able to bring joy and yummy cake to people in such a difficult and emotional time. Getting flour and eggs was a whole new challenge though and I had to get very resourceful.
doing what i love
I’ve continued to work hard over the last few years, pouring my heart and soul and many many hours into the business that I’ve built from the ground up. I’m so proud of how successful I’ve made Jen’s House of Cakes. I’m continually learning new skills and techniques, every cake is unique and often brings its own learning curve, which I LOVE as every day is different. It’s such a thrill to see the look on people’s faces when they come to collect their cakes, seeing their ideas and wishes come alive. It’s the best part of the job.
2026 is the year I raise my game and focus on how I can make improvements to my business. I’m excited to be working with The Cake Business Club and the extremely talented Kate to take Jen’s House of Cakes to the next level.
Outside of cake making, I live in the North East. I’m born and bred in Stockton on Tees. Since meeting my partner I’m now a HUGE Liverpool fan, a lover of darts, speedway and the TV series Survivor. I also love Game of Thrones, anything Marvel and playing on the PS5.
I have so many hobbies and interests, the house is jam packed! Along with all the cake equipment, supplies and ingredients the house is full of jigsaws, books, arrow word puzzles, game consoles, board games, packs of cards (which I collect at any opportunity), Juicy Lucy Port Meirion mugs (which I also collect and have been told I have too many – no chance!), DIY tools and many power tools … and after 2 fabulous evening classes last year (ran by the same local Council I did my cake classes with back in 2005) I made a wonderful new group of friends, developed a surprising love of glass and in turn invested in so much Stained Glass making tools, equipment and glass that consideration was given to turning it into a business alongside cakes! But I simply love making and decorating cakes so much I wouldn’t dream of ever doing anything else.