Meet Jessica Markham | Baker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Markham and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Terrified! That was my main thought. Imposter syndrome is real and I was really battling with whether or not my baked goods were good enough for people to want to buy them. My dad taught me how to bake when I was young. I would help him bake for all the holidays every year. He really lit a passion for baking in me early. He pushed hard for me to go to pastry school and open a bakery. Unfortunately he passed away before I could pursue my baking career. I never ended up going to school, I’m self taught, aside from what he taught me. Ultimately I swallowed my fear and after lots of persuasion from family and friends I decided to jump in and share my baked goods with our community.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I think the thing that sets my business apart from others is just being my authentic self and putting out a great product. There are lots of great home bakers. I could just jump on trends for the sake of wanting to be trendy, I could copy the success of others. When it comes down to it, I just want bake what I’m passionate about and do well. The baking community is largely over saturated, so I think the best move I can make is sticking with what I do best. I would rather put out a few great products, than put out a bunch of things I’m not as good at just to take part in a trend. Quality is much more important to me. I want my customers to enjoy what I make and come back for more. There is nothing more rewarding than having loyal repeat customers. It’s the best feeling honestly.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
So I’m more of a home body. I love to read and play video games in my free time, however I’m located in Willis. There’s not a ton to do here yet. But we are heavily under construction and they’re building lots of new things! Places we would need to go though, my favorite local coffee shops would be Urban Grinds in downtown Conroe and Lillys in Willis. Definitely need to get dinner at Pappasitos. I also love to hit all the local farmer’s markets, you can find some really amazing homemade things. I love supporting small, local businesses.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family, my dad pushed hard for me to pursue baking. I wish he was here to see it finally happen. My mom and siblings are constantly cheering me on. This wouldn’t have happened without my husband. He has been incredibly supportive, my number 1 cheerleader. His family has been so supportive in helping my business grow. And my friend Rayven for giving me my first sourdough starter!

Website: https://jm-cakery.square.site/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jm_cakery

Facebook: https://Facebook.com/JMCakery