Hi, y’all!
My name is Juliet, but my friend Amber gave me the nickname Juju when we were brainstorming easy names for her then-toddler-son to pronounce. Since then, I’ve become known as Aunt Juju or Ms. Juju to the kids of my friends and neighbors.
At a young age, I was introduced to the world of baking through my maternal side of the family. We would gather at my grandparent’s place for a multi-generational “Holiday Cookie Bake Day”. To make the most of the day, we’d set up multiple stand mixers, designate several stations, and buy flour and sugars in bulk.
We. Were. Legit.
Well, except for Grandpa – he was reassigned to official “Cookie Taster” when he mistook salt for sugar.
Over time, I explored different areas of baking and found my love for baking cakes. Cakes are celebratory; they bring delight. I love seeing friends’ and family’s faces light up when they are presented with a cake. Baking cakes also allows me to satisfy my analytical and creative sides.
So, how did I end up baking cakes? I followed the traditional path: college, work, MBA, work…then get laid off. Then the pandemic started. During that time, I realized I had lost some of the joy in my life. I was not baking (nor eating) as much cake as I used to. At my friends’ encouragement (and nudging), I decided a little more sugar in my life was in order. And Juju Bakes was conceived.