Community Highlights: Meet Jude Ghannam of Jude Bakes KC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jude Ghannam. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
From when I was in pre-k, I had always loved being in the kitchen with my mom. Growing up we made brownies and cakes from boxed mixes. Alongside grocery store cakes, and TLC’s “Cake Boss,” that was all the cake world I knew! My interest kept building over time, from making boxed mixes with my mom to making boxed mixes on my own in early elementary to experimenting with recipes from scratch as I got a bit older. Throughout my school years every “get to know me” ice breaker always included my favorite hobby- baking. I had always thought I wanted to be a baker. Maybe a pastry chef. Or a lawyer. Never could decide, but I am beyond fortunate to be living out little Jude’s dream. 

Over time, I continued developing recipes and finding my niche, doing more trial and error than our stomachs could handle. I was always bringing along some form or another of baked goods to every invite, gathering, and classroom until people started knowing me as the baker. My very first paid order was from my friends’ mom, for a German chocolate cake the summer of my freshman year. I gave it to her in a cake holder Tupperware. After that, word of mouth became my very best friend. 

In just two years, my side hustle has grown and flourished in ways I never even expected. I book out several weeks to months in advance, a fact that never fails to amaze me. I work long hours and many days late into the night perfecting my craft, making sure everything is made to standard. What used to be a curious kindergartener licking the spatula next to her mom has now switched roles. My mom stands next to me as my baker’s assistant whenever I need her, only with a much better respect of hygiene standards. I pour my heart into each piece of art I make, each of my babies. Each cake that leaves my door has its own story of how it came to be. I’m now a Junior in high school, juggling school in one hand, and Jude Bakes in the other, but my heart is full. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for me. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
With all the support from my family and community, I have been very blessed to have an amazing transition into entrepreneurship at a young age. All the minor road bumps like knowing how to effectively price, any cake mishaps, etc., have definitely all been learning experiences for me. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Jude Bakes KC is a home bakery located in Miami County, run by a junior in high school, specializing in custom cakes and cupcakes. Everything is made to order from scratch! 

I am very proud of my website, one I personally built. Clients can contact me, book, and see photos of my work through it. 

I offer a diverse flavor menu and typically do a special every month so my clients get to taste some different flavors! From children’s cakes to floral glam, I love to accommodate! 

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I think perseverance and time management are the most important qualities. More often than not, I have to problem-solve if something doesn’t work out and through perseverance, it always turns out in the end. Time management is essential for any business, however as a full-time student who also runs a little side hustle, it’s absolutely crucial. I have to organize my month, week, and day in order to be able to be successful at both. 

Pricing:

• Cupcakes starting at $30 per dozen
• Custom cakes starting at $40
• Cake pops starting at $25 per dozen

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: judebakeskc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/judebakeskc/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/judebakeskc/photos/