Meet Sarah Ono Jones | Cake Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Ono Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I wasn’t looking to start my own business. In 2018 I was recruited by a big company in Houston to head their custom cake department. I sold my house and moved my family from Tennessee to Texas. I was excited to be part of a company where I could teach people my craft. I am passionate about cake decorating. To me, it is an art. Three days after Christmas in 2022, I got a call that would change my life. Without warning, the company I moved here for was pivoting in a new direction and I was let go. I was crushed. So, I took a few weeks off to process the abrupt news and then I hit the ground running. OnoJones Cakes was born!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I love sculpted cakes. There is nothing like having a big stack of cake in front of you and a big knife! Once the cake is carved and iced, you get to cover it with fondant. A blank canvas! Painting, airbrushing, powdering and shellacking. I use so many different edible or food grade products to bring a cake to life. I get lost in the moment at times. Hours can feel like minutes. I never seem to know when to put the brush or sculpting tool down. This is passion. This is love for your craft. That is what makes me different, I think. There are people who love decorating—and then there are people who are passionate about cake decorating.

Since starting my own business, I have struggled with learning to say no to projects that are not meant for me. My heart wants to make a cake for everyone—but, I have to remember that in order to keep my passion and love for decorating, I have to focus on larger projects and keep my eye on the big picture. This means I have a minimum price point. Some people think, “It’s just cake! Why is it so expensive?” To me, it isn’t just cake. It is my art.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Houston is full of culture! One of my favorite places to go in Houston is Space Center Houston. I can’t tell you how many times I have gone to Space Center Houston! So much history and so much to learn!

Of course the Museum of Fine Arts! So many museums and festivals. The food scene in Houston is incredible! My favorite restaurant is Steak 48 or MAD!

I work with Live Nation a lot. I make cakes for their artists coming to their Houston Venues. So, if a friend is visiting from out of town, you know we are going to hit up House of Blues, 713 Music Hall or Bayou Music Center!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband, Julian, has always been my biggest supporter. He has believed in me every step of the way. Without him, I would not be able to chase my dreams and be as successful as I am.

Instagram: @sonojones

Facebook: Sarah Ono Jones Art

Other: TikTok: @sonojones