We recently connected with Jordan Smith and have shared our conversation below.
Jordan , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Starting JJOvenDelights was like a natural progression of my life’s journey, blending passion, family, and a love for food. Growing up, my parents were always in the kitchen, and I was right there with them. My mom’s desserts were legendary – from cookies to cakes, every recipe felt like a warm embrace. It wasn’t just about the baking itself, but the connections that were built around food. When we gathered, it wasn’t just for a meal but for shared stories, laughter, and love. That feeling – that comfort – always stuck with me.
When I was in college, I found myself at a crossroads. Marketing was something I loved, and I was learning a lot about consumer behavior and brand strategy. But I kept coming back to the kitchen. It was my safe space, where I could be creative and feel truly alive. The more I baked, the more I realized that baking was not just a hobby. It was something I could turn into a business.
The decision to start JJOvenDelights wasn’t a sudden “eureka” moment. It was a slow, steady realization that there was something unique I could offer to the world. I saw so many bakeries, but I didn’t feel like they captured the full experience of what baking meant to me. I wanted my business to be more than just selling desserts – I wanted to create an experience where people could feel the love and passion in every bite.
I knew there was a gap in the market for personalized, seasonally inspired treats that weren’t just about aesthetics but also about flavor. There was a unique space where people wanted things that felt special, handmade, and truly delicious. My family always encouraged me to chase my dreams, and I figured why not try this? I could combine my marketing skills with my love of baking, create a brand that was warm, inviting, and nostalgic, and bring something new to the table.
What excited me most about JJOvenDelights was that it wasn’t just about food. It was about making memories, creating a community, and sharing moments of happiness. That’s what drove me. I wasn’t just baking for profit – I was baking for people, to bring a little joy into their lives. And that’s what made it feel worthwhile. It was a business rooted in love, family, and passion, and that’s why I knew it would work.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hey, I’m Jordan Smith, the proud owner and creator behind JJOvenDelights, a bakery that’s all about bringing joy through delicious, seasonally inspired treats. My journey into the world of baking started long before I ever thought about turning it into a business. Growing up in a home where my parents were always in the kitchen, cooking up incredible meals and desserts, I naturally gravitated towards food. The time spent in the kitchen was not just about making food, it was about creating memories, sharing stories, and feeling the love in every bite. That love for food became a passion for baking, and here I am today.
What sets JJOvenDelights apart is that it’s more than just a bakery – it’s an experience. We’re not just selling cookies and cakes; We are offering the flavors of home, warmth, and memories. Every product is crafted with love, using high-quality ingredients and a sprinkle of creativity. My sister (co-owner & I) focus on seasonal flavors and designs that make each treat feel fresh and special. Whether it’s a warm fall pound cake or a sweet specialty cookie, the goal is to create something that makes people pause and appreciate the small moments in life.
What we offer includes a variety of delicious baked goods: mini and regular cupcakes, pound cakes, cookies, and sometimes fun seasonal specials. Some of our best-selling items include banana pudding, including my biscoff cupcakes, stuffed chocolate chip cookies with Nutella filling, and my sisters decadent brownies made with a generous amount of Hershey powder. We also love to add some of the more unique flavor combinations like cranberry orange pound cake and pecan flavored cakes that give a cozy, homey feel.
The problem I or that we solve my sister and I for out clients is giving them the chance to enjoy treats that remind them of home – comforting, thoughtful, and most importantly, delicious. I think that’s what truly sets JJOvenDelights apart from others. While there are plenty of bakeries out there, my focus is on creating something personal, seasonal, and meaningful, rather than just selling products. We also offer customization for special events, helping make celebrations memorable with treats that are as unique as the occasion.
I’m proud of how far I’ve come in such a short time. The fact that JJOvenDelights has already been featured in SA Days and has started participating in vendor markets makes me so proud. It’s a testament to the hard work, the passion, and the love that goes into every product we make. But what I’m most proud of is the feedback from my customers – knowing that I’ve made their day just a little bit sweeter, and being able to connect with them on a personal level.
When people think of JJOvenDelights, I want them to know that it’s a brand built on passion, love, and quality. It’s about more than just baking – it’s about sharing joy and making people feel like they’re a part of something special. My products aren’t just desserts; they’re a piece of happiness wrapped in sweetness. Whether it’s a cozy holiday treat or something to brighten up a random Wednesday, I want people to feel the warmth and love in every bite.
And if you’re ever in need of a treat that feels like home or a custom order to make your event a little sweeter, JJOvenDelights is here for you.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Absolutely. One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that I needed to do everything on my own, and that lesson was deeply connected to my mom’s influence in my life. Growing up, my mom was always this amazing, strong figure who handled everything – from cooking to making sure our family was taken care of. She did so much for us, and I admired her for it. It was easy to believe that in order to succeed, I had to do the same: carry the weight of everything myself.
But as I started JJOvenDelights, I quickly realized that doing it all alone wasn’t sustainable. The turning point came when I had a conversation with my sister Jackie, who’s also my co-owner. She reminded me that asking for help and leaning on others wasn’t a weakness, it was necessary for growth. That’s when I had to unlearn the idea of doing everything by myself.
It was also a reflection of what my mom had taught me: yes, she was incredibly strong and independent, but she also had a support system that helped her along the way. She was always surrounded by people who loved her, and that’s something I had to embrace. I’ve learned that I don’t have to prove myself by doing it alone – I can grow my business with the support of my sister and others who believe in the mission of JJOvenDelights.
My mom’s strength and resilience have shaped who I am, and now, I’m learning to balance that with knowing it’s okay to ask for help. She’d be so proud of how far I’ve come, but I also know she’d be reminding me that success isn’t about shouldering everything by myself. It’s about trusting the people around you and working together toward a shared goal.
Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?
Starting JJOvenDelights was a journey that involved a lot of support from my family, especially from my parents. When I decided to turn my passion for baking into a business, I knew there would be upfront costs for things like ingredients, equipment, and the packaging to make everything look professional. But I also knew that getting this business off the ground was going to require more than just my own savings.
I turned to my parents for help – my dad and mom, who had always been there for me and believed in me. My dad, who had always given me practical advice and supported my dreams, understood the importance of investing in something I truly believed in. He had always been my guide when it came to making smart decisions, and he was all in when I explained my vision for JJOvenDelights.
My mom was equally supportive, even though she knew how challenging starting a business could be. She was the one who always taught me the importance of family and working hard for your dreams. I remember many late-night conversations with her about taking risks, about doing what I love, and about the importance of staying resilient. Her unwavering faith in me was a huge motivation.
Together, they both provided the initial capital I needed to get things started. It wasn’t a large sum, but it was enough to cover the basics – the equipment, ingredients, and other startup costs. It was a mix of their support and my own savings that gave me the push I needed.
What meant the most to me wasn’t just the financial support, but the emotional backing they gave me. They both believed in JJOvenDelights from the very beginning, and that confidence in my ability to make it work was priceless. Their investment wasn’t just monetary; it was their trust in me, their encouragement, and the reminder that family always has your back.
Thanks to their help, I was able to move forward and officially launch JJOvenDelights. I still carry that sense of responsibility and gratitude with me every day, knowing that their belief in me was the foundation of this journey. I’m so proud of how far I’ve come, and I know my parents would be just as proud to see how their investment – in both money and love – has helped JJOvenDelights grow.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jjovendelights?igsh=OWV4MmdqNDZlNWE%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/p/JJOvenDelights-61553030872748/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LifeOfJordan._.
- Other: TikTok: (JJOvenDelights) https://www.tiktok.com/@jjovendelights?_t=ZT-8tXZcubL7h0&_r=1
Image Credits
Imagines by JJOvenDelights