In a world where creativity often yearns for an outlet, Ashlyn Jarman discovered her true calling by craftily intertwining her passion for art and baking. You can trace her love for baking back to her maternal grandmother, a native of Germany, who taught her the secret art of crafting authentic German cookies.
Today, Jarman continues to honor her heritage by using that cherished recipe to create her irresistible sugar cookies.
The birth of Jarman’s thriving baking business was sparked by a dream, transforming her passion into a flourishing reality.
“One day, I had a dream. And I saw the logo and Blessed Be Cakery in my mind as clear as day. And I spent probably two years trying to figure out a name. I just couldn’t figure out anything, and it came to me in a dream,” the creative said
“Blessed Be” serves as a well-wish and positivity on others. Jarman desires her business to be a staple of positivity and acceptance for all, regardless of their race or where they’re from. It is a safe haven of acceptance and a second home for community members to thrive.
Jarman always stood out creatively, and her artistic talents were evident from a young age. She excelled in art class, effortlessly crafting stunning sculptures and awe-inspiring projects that intrigued her teachers.
At just 13 years old, Jarman brilliantly merged her passion for art with the delicious world of baking, creating a unique and captivating blend of talents.
“I love to try and experiment with new techniques. Palette painting on the cake is so much fun to me.”
Jarman is dignified in being a part of her clients’ special moments like birthday parties, baby showers, weddings, and numerous other events.
“I like having my little piece in their little special moments, and I just love to be able to put those smiles on people’s faces when otherwise there wouldn’t be one.”
She forged her path to becoming an artist and baker through some of the most challenging circumstances, but she persevered.
“Since I moved halfway across the country, I never had very many friends. So I was always left to my own devices and learning things on my own. And after moving down here, I fell into a really bad bout of severe depression. And baking was one of those things that really brought me back out of it because I felt my passion and my love for it, and I feel like it saved my life.”
Overcoming challenging experiences, Jarman found solace and gratitude in a tightly-knit community that embraced her and allowed her talents and passions to blossom.
“I got to explore that side of me more. If I hadn’t moved down here, I wouldn’t have explored baking as much.”
Jarman’s Facebook page overflows with gorgeous pictures of her delectable and creatively designed treats. Unique pull-apart cakes, sheet cakes, decorative sugar cookies, and macaroons swiftly attract her followers.
Some of her personal favorite cakes are the jaw-dropping T-Rex cake and the adorable “Stitch” cake, both uniquely crafted sheet cakes.
“I had so much fun making those, and I feel like my creativity just flows immensely when I try to make something like that. Because it incorporates things like sculpting and airbrushing, and it’s just so much fun.”
When it comes to creativity in baking, Jarman finds the most excitement in making macaroons, a complex deluxe treat that takes time and effort to perfect. She made her first batch five years ago.
Jarman’s cakes traditionally boast an American buttercream base unless her clients request different ingredients. She either airbrushes the buttercream, makes her own homemade fondant, or uses gum paste and many other ingredients and materials.
With a whole line of gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, and sugar-free ingredients, she skillfully uses her expertise to maintain the quality and flavor of the treats so her customers can hardly tell the difference between dairy and non-dairy sweets.
Upon simply referencing a photo, Jarman is swift at work creating her own version of those sweet bakery treats.
Jarman soon plans to open up her own brick-and-mortar. And while on her journey, she holds close to the values her mother instilled in her, fully devoting herself to her craft and never giving up, using them as guiding lights in pursuit of her dreams and inspiring others to do the same.
“People can still follow their dreams no matter what they are. And they’ll get to where they want to go as long as they believe in themselves.” GN
