We had the good fortune of connecting with Ginny Jacobs and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ginny, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have always wanted to start and own my own business! The question was not “if” it was “when.” The thought of coming up with that “big idea” though and leaving a stable job was scary – and it still is! Then I was furloughed, and ultimately laid off, from my corporate job at Hilton due to the pandemic. As corny as it sounds, it felt like a sign. I quickly realized that if you wait for the fear of doing something to go away, so will the inspiration to do it! I was baking a ton in quarantine (who wasn’t?!), and recalled a long-forgotten idea to start a “surprise” bakery. It’s a little like a box of chocolates: all the baked goods come with a filling or surprise inside. What started as a fun way to pass the time of stay-at-home orders though quickly grew into a business, spurred by orders from local residents looking to sweeten their own quarantines.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Surprisingly Baked exists for the simple purpose of bringing others joy. We do this by baking delicious cookies and brownies (all with a surprise inside!) with the best possible ingredients and connecting directly with our customers on a personal level. Our menu is unapologetically indulgent: not paleo, not keto, not gluten free, and not Whole 30. Here at Surprisingly Baked, we believe that although eating healthy is important, life is also short! And when it’s time for a treat, only the best will do. Every cookie comes with its own logo and branding. Think – peanut butter cookies stuffed with Oreos, named the Parent Trap. Each flavor and its accompanying logo is designed to invoke a sense of nostalgia and fun memories!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh gosh, there are so many! Everyone from my family and friends, to my 4th grade music teacher – Miss Bozarth – who empowered me and gave me the tools to put on a full-length production of the Nutcracker in my school’s auditorium at age 9. I also wouldn’t be who I am today without wonderful and supportive parents who constantly, not only just believed, but impressed upon me, that I was capable of doing anything to which I set my mind. I also have an incredibly supportive and all around amazing fiancé, Guy, without whom I never would have started this business!

Website: surprisinglybaked.com
Instagram: instagram.com/surprisinglybaked
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/surprisingly-baked
Facebook: facebook.com/surprisinglybaked

Image Credits
Laurel Creative

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.