Meet Jillian Jimenez | Hobby Baker & Aspiring Entrepreneur

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

Hi Jillian, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The initial thought of starting my own business has been an emotional roller coaster. When I was around 12 years old, I knew I wanted to be own boss but at that age I was naive to what that actually entailed. Granted, I have a better concept of what it means to be your own boss but everything is still a learning process. I’m very blessed for my boyfriend who encourages me everyday to be better in all aspects of my life.

To have a dream become a reality is surreal. The funny thing is, I never once thought about being a baker or having my own bakery. Baking has been something I’ve started as a little girl and truly grown to love. I recently made my father his favorite cake for his birthday while he was visiting Houston. There was an ample amount of cake left over so I decided to take it to work. My coworkers finished the cake the same day. The positive feedback from them was astonishing. My coworker Stanley later approached me about making a cake for his mother. When he asked me how much would I charge him, I was speechless. I insisted on just making him one for free since baking was a hobby of mine. Without Stanley knowing, he sparked an idea in my head.

Beloved Treats’ Instagram was later made that day. Social media has provided amazing opportunities for others, so I thought, “why not me too?”. As mentioned previously, this is truly a learning process for me. It is extremely rewarding when I see people’s faces light up when they see their cake. The best part of starting Beloved Treats is the amount of support and love I have received! My family and friends are truly the best.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
While being an at home hobby baker and working full time, it’s not the most pleasant schedule. Being an entrepreneur is constantly working and promoting yourself. I’ve had my fair share of late nights of going to bed at 2 am just to finish orders. I’m very grateful for the support and this is what I’ve been praying for. It’s a surreal feeling and a huge blessing.

I’m a very eager person and want to chew more than I can bite off. I thought starting this journey I’d have multiple orders a week and someone picking up their cake every day. While that is still the goal, I have realized it is going to take time. When I get a order, I get overwhelmed with joy. I believe a lot of small businesses would agree and appreciate your order far more than a large corporations. When you support a small business, you are truly supporting a dream. That personally is what motivates me. I know they see my vision and support my dreams. For the first time in my life, I truly love what I’m doing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If any of my friends came to see me, they’d be coming from Ohio where I’m from.

-have brunch and mimosas at Lucille’s
-take pictures at Houston’s graffiti building
-play some games at Cidercade
-Grab lunch from Frozen Paradise
-go to Hermann Park’s Rose Garden
-get some rest
-go to Lincoln Bar + Kitchen at night
-Uber home

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Looking back, my baking career actually started from 2 major influences, father’s ex-girlfriend Ms. Rose and my Aunt Judy.

Ms. Rose was always baking delicious chocolate chip cookies and other sweets. I remember always wanting to help her and there being dozens of cookies all over our kitchen and dining room table. My favorite dessert that she would make was striped delight. It was layers of crushed graham crackers, chocolate pudding, and whip cream.

For the holidays, my Aunt Judy was always in the kitchen. It seemed like she spent more time on the dessert table than the dinner table. She would make everyone’s favorite pies, dozens of sugar cookies, cupcakes, fudge, and Buckeyes. My Aunt Judy’s desserts were so loved that my mom and sisters would ask me to bring them back some after Christmas dinner.

Without these influences in my life, I may have never discovered my joy for baking and I’m forever thankful for these amazing women.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/beloved.treats?utm_medium=copy_link

Image Credits
Vanessa Galvez for the picture of me