Meet Jenna | Owner/Decorator/Baker

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

Hi Jenna, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Honestly it just sort of happened. It has always been a dream to own a bakery, but to own one that would give back and provide for First Responders, Military Personnel and families in need, whether it be with monetary donations or with desserts. Almost all of the profits Southern Gal Creations makes is donated to organizations such as “Dallas 5” or “Operation Santa Swims” both of which are non profits for Fallen Officers and for Navy Personnel who are deployed. In addition, Southern Gal has donated to young athletes who have overcome obstacles and who have worked hard to accomplish their dreams and to teachers in the local communities to help with classroom supplies. For me, it’s never been about making money, but to give back to those who could benefit or to be able to lift other’s spirits through amazing desserts.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Whew, that’s a big question. Growing up, I knew my life would take 1 of 2 directions. I really love to bake and decorate, I’ve always been fascinated by the different mediums used in cakes, cookies, and other desserts. I would watch Pastry Competitions and the amazing pieces of art that people would create. I became obsessed with sugar work and creating these fragile beautiful pieces. Most people don’t know this about me, but I was accepted into a Culinary Arts School; the day I got my acceptance, was one of the most exciting days for me. However, life has a funny way of working out and I had to make tough decisions that ended with me declining the offer. No matter where life has taken me, I kept baking and learning, hoping one day I might actually get that bakery I had dreamed of. Dreams do come true and while by day, I have my dream career, by night, I get to bake, decorate, and give back to my community. It may sound cheesy, but my heart is absolutely full.

Owning a business has definitely had its learning curves along the way. I knew when I started Southern Gal Creations there were certain things with my business that were non-negotiable. Everything that comes out of Southern Gal’s Kitchen is from scratch, the purees, the cake mixes, the cookie dough, etc. I test recipes and have learned through trial and error, I’ve made baking friends that I can rely on and bounce ideas off of, and I’ve taken classes and gone to Cookie Con (Yes, it’s most definitely a thing). I’ve had my share of mistakes, but I’ve stuck with it, picked myself back up and kept working towards my goals. I have always strived to be open and honest with my customers. If they ask for something that’s out of my wheelhouse, I let them know, and we figure out a solution together. If I make a mistake, I own it and make it right. One of my closest friends told me this past weekend that “she was proud of my integrity and that it shows through to my customers.” Finally, I love sitting down with my customers and finding out the little details, ideas, and colors that are important to them and turning those into edible creations.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Hands down Texas Brisket, we could do absolutely nothing else, but they have to have Texas Brisket. I would take them to “Off the Bone” which is a local business located in Dallas. They have some of the best Brisket Tacos around. I’d also take them to “Fresco’s” for some amazing Tex-Mex and margaritas. As cheesy as it sounds, if they’ve never been to a Buc-ee’s we would go there, it’s an experience you don’t want to miss. Living in the DFW area, there are so many places to go and visit. The Fort Worth Stockyards is a must and getting to experience true Texas history along with some rodeos. Other places on the list would be the Dallas Arboretum, Klyde Warren Park, and Dealey Plaza. In the evenings, Sundance Square is beautiful and also some good ol’ Honkey Tonk Bars for some good music, dancing and drinks. Finally, I cannot forget my hometown teams and a trip to AT&T for a Cowboys Game, American Airlines for a Stars Game, and Globe Life for a Rangers Game. Whew, I think we’d all need a nap after this kind of week!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I don’t think there’s enough room for me to list everyone. There’s so many people in my life, who’ve been along for the journey, who’ve given me a word of encouragement or taste tested a new recipe. Can I list 3 people? LOL 🙂 Hands down my husband Daniel. He’s the Southern Gal Uber Driver and resident taste tester. He does almost all of my deliveries so that I can keep working on other orders or so that I can catch a quick nap. He is one of my biggest supporters, cheering me on, but also helping to keep me in check with work/life balance especially if I try to take on too much.

My brothers Austin and Daniel (they are a package deal :)). Austin has been there for the random late night calls, keeping me company while I decorate and he grades papers. He kept me sane when he ordered over 600 cookies for his High School Seniors. Daniel has been there for me when I have specific themes, such as Star Wars or Disney. He’s been my go to guru when I was on the verge of tossing my 3D printer, helping me triage it so I can make my own cookie cutters. Both of my brothers have been there, talking me through different steps to take, giving me advice, a high five on an amazing looking cake, but also keeping it real when I didn’t quite nail something. One worries he’s too critical of my work, while the other has no qualms telling me I messed up lol, but what they both need to know is that I need and value that balance and honesty.

My third but definitely not my final person is Cierra. I met Cierra when I moved back to Texas and she ordered a graduation cake for her daughter. She was one of my first true paying customers. I struggled with that order and looking back, probably one of the simplest cakes I’ve ever done. My turn table broke that week and she surprised me with a new one. That simple gesture meant the world to me. The turn table was just retired this past Christmas, but it holds a permanent place on the shelf. It’s a reminder to me of a friendship, of someone who believed in me enough to pay me for my work. She has been a constant source of support, feedback and most importantly friendship. She has given me honest feedback, knowing that it will help me be more successful in the end. I look forward every year to creating cakes/cookies for her kid’s birthdays, knowing I’ll be challenged with a new design or a flavor and I’ll learn and grow from it.

There’s so many people I have to thank on this crazy and wild journey and there are no words to truly express how blessed and thankful I am.

Website: https://sgalcreations.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sgalcreations

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

Image Credits
Semi Naked Wedding Cake © Royce Images Photography, All Rights Reserved.