Daily Inspiration: Meet Jennifer Franklin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Franklin.

Hi Jennifer, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstories.
My name is Jen, but three Lil grandbabies call me Memaw. My adventure at Memaw’s Apron started with me working in my sister’s eatery (Flytte). Her baker was out of the country when she opened her shop, and I volunteered to make goodies until the baker returned. I used recipes passed down from generation to generation. It was a huge success. From there, I started attending the local farmer’s market. As people visited with me, more and more recommended a mobile bakery. That’s when I purchased the food trailer. Once again, opportunities opened, and I found myself needing a helper. Alis Tilton (Bite of Art) joined me. Together, we serve baked goods such as cinnamon rolls, cupcakes, paninis, as well as flavored coffee and boba drinks. Alis specializes in macarons. I specialize in decorated cakes and baked goods. I am known for my cinnamon rolls: the family recipe that started it all.

Please talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned. Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The best views often take hard work to enjoy them. There have been bumps and a definite learning curve on this journey. When you are mobile, the weather is a major factor. We have endured heat waves as well as freezing temperatures. Seeing customers go out of their way to support us is always a surprise. One day, it was pouring rain and cold. I was tempted not to set up, but people were arriving. The rain continued, and the people kept coming. Everyone was smiling and laughing under the canopy while we served warm treats. It’s so wonderful to have a small community that values small businesses! Another challenge to serving is space. The trailer is only 6ftx12ft. When you add the equipment, it leaves little space for movement. Thankfully, we quickly learned how to work together to fill orders. Personally, the most challenging obstacle is finding time to prepare baked goods for events while working a full-time job and tending to a menagerie of animals. On many occasions, I worked through the night. The reward is the smiles on customers’ faces.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Memaw’s Apron is a part-time job. I have been a nurse for over 25 years; my nursing career has offered me many opportunities. I have assisted patients and families in bringing new life into this world as well as holding their hands as they leave it. In 2008, I started teaching nursing. I was director of 2 nursing programs, helping the programs increase their size and state board pass rates. Currently, I work for a government employee health insurance company. I research and implement coverage policies.

Baking is therapeutic for me. I find myself looking for challenging recipes and decorating ideas. It’s been said that I always go above and beyond to see the wonder on customers’ faces.

What sets Memaw’s Apron apart from other bakeries is that we customize orders to fit our consumer’s needs. We collaborate closely to ensure our product is exactly what the customer wants. Then, we bring the product to them. I read somewhere that bakery items are a luxury and should be priced accordingly. Our low overhead allows us to charge reasonable rates. In Memaw’s point of view, every person deserves some sweetness in their life.

We love to hear about your fond memories of growing up.
I wouldn’t say that there is one memory but instead, many combined to create a nostalgic warm, happy feeling. The smell of Sunday dinner after church, the sound of family laughing, the embrace of loved ones, the twinkle in a grandparent’s eye as they sneak you a treat before dinner. Dad hugs Mom in the kitchen as music from the radio fills the air. So many happy memories can be brought back with the aromas of baking.

Contact Info:

• Website: memawsapron.wixsite.com/memawsbakery
• Instagram: Instagram.com/memaws_apron
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/memaw.apron

Image Credits
Jordan Turner Photography