Meet Jessa Romieleen Orden Wickman | Owner, Baker & Cake Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessa Romieleen Orden Wickman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessa Romieleen Orden, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always had a passion for baking and making desserts since I was in high school, and after years of working in the pastry industry, I knew I wanted to create something of my own. Jessa’s Bakehouse was born out of my love for high- quality, handcrafted cakes, desserts and the joy of bringing people together through sweet treats. I also wanted the flexibility to be creative while balancing my personal life, especially as a mom. My goal is to provide delicious, beautiful baked goods that make special moments even sweeter!

 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career in the pastry and baking industry has been shaped by years of dedication, hands-on experience, and a deep love for bringing people joy through my creations. What sets Jessa’s Bakehouse apart is my focus on high-quality, buttercream-based cakes with minimal fondant details…ensuring that every cake is not only visually stunning but also rich in flavor. I take pride in crafting desserts that tell a story, whether it’s for birthdays, weddings, or just a simple moment of indulgence.

Getting to where I am today hasn’t been easy. I’ve spent years working in hotels and the food service industry, learning the art of pastry and customer service. I also balanced my career while serving in the U.S. Navy, an experience that taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of attention to detail. Launching Jessa’s Bakehouse was a leap of faith, but it’s been incredibly rewarding to see my business grow and connect with customers who appreciate the care I put into my work.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that success doesn’t come overnight. There have been challenges, from perfecting my techniques to navigating the business side of things, but I’ve learned to embrace every setback as an opportunity to grow. My mom, who has always been my biggest supporter, taught me the importance of independence and perseverance, which has been invaluable on this journey.

Through Jessa’s Bakehouse, I want to do more than just sell cakes…I want to create memories for people, bring happiness through my desserts, and inspire others who dream of turning their passion into a business. Whether it’s a beautifully decorated cake or a perfectly baked pastry, I put my heart into everything I make. My story is still being written, and I’m excited for what’s to come.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend visited Fort Worth, TX for a week, I’d take them on a mix of food, culture, and fun adventures.

We’d start at the Stockyards for a classic cowboy experience, then explore museums like the Kimbell and Modern Art Museum. Outdoor activities would include the Botanic Garden, Panther Island Pavilion, and Trinity Trails. We’d enjoy amazing food at Joe T. Garcia’s, Reata, Heim BBQ, and The Woodshed Smokehouse, plus grab drinks at spots like Second Rodeo Brewing and The Sinclair rooftop.

A day trip to Dallas would include the Dallas Museum of Art, Reunion Tower, and Pecan Lodge BBQ. Back in Fort Worth, we’d do a brewery tour, check out the Fort Worth Zoo, and end the trip with a relaxing spa day and sweet treats from Melt Ice Creams.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely! My journey with Jessa’s Bakehouse wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support I’ve received along the way.

My husband has been my rock through this journey, always encouraging me to take the leap and follow my dreams, and my son, Jexse, is my greatest motivation. Everything I do is for our family, and I want to build something meaningful for us.

I’m especially thankful for my mom, who has supported me throughout my passion for baking—even encouraging me to pursue culinary school in the Philippines. Her creativity and dedication continue to inspire me every time I step into the kitchen and create cakes of my own.

I’m also incredibly grateful to my in-laws my mother-in-law, father-in-law and sister-in-law, whose love, encouragement, and support have meant so much to me. Having a second family cheering me on through this journey is something I’ll always be thankful for.

I’m also grateful for my mentors and instructors who helped shape my skills, as well as the amazing community of fellow bakers and small business owners who have been so generous with their advice and encouragement.

My experience in the U.S. Navy also played a huge role in shaping my discipline, work ethic, and resilience… qualities that are essential in running a business. The structure and teamwork I learned during my service have helped me navigate challenges and stay focused on my goals.

And of course, I owe so much to my customers…their trust and support allow me to do what I love every day!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessasbakehouse/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessasbakehouse/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/jessas-bakehouse-fort-worth