Conversations with Janayle Ruiz

Today we’d like to introduce you to Janayle Ruiz

Hi Janayle, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My love for baking started with watching my grandma in the kitchen. She had this incredible knack for creating delicious, memorable dishes that brought people together. Her passion for food wasn’t just about cooking, it was about making moments special and sharing joy through her creations.

Inspired by her, I began making cakes for friends and family, especially for their birthdays. Seeing the happiness a custom cake could bring reminded me of the magic my grandma used to create, and it fueled my desire to pursue baking seriously.

To turn this passion into a profession, I enrolled in the baking program at the Academy of Culinary Education in Woodland Hills, run by the amazing Chef Cecilia. The training gave me the skills and confidence to dive into the world of baking.

After graduating, I started my small business, Jeannie Sweets, where I whip up custom cakes, cupcakes, and cookies right from my home kitchen. It’s been a fantastic journey, and my dream is to expand into a bakery and eventually launch my own baking show. I’d love to share my recipes and techniques with a wider
audience and bring a little more sweetness to the world!

Alongside running Jeannie Sweets, I also work as a food stylist at So Yummy. There, I create fun and eye-catching food content for our social media channels. It’s a great way to combine my baking skills with creative food presentation, and it lets me connect with talented people who share my passion for all things culinary.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Running a small business definitely has its challenges. I had to get really good at managing my time and making every second count by planning out my days to avoid pulling all-nighters in the kitchen.

Things got pretty tricky during COVID when everything was shut down and orders were slim. So, I started making social media content of me decorating cakes as a way to keep learning and stay active. It was a great way to stay connected with people, and honestly, I still love recording my decorating process and sharing it today!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a pastry chef who really loves making cakes that are both beautiful and delicious. I enjoy experimenting with flavors to give my customers something truly special. I love my job and I am so proud when I create wedding cakes. It’s so rewarding to know that my cake is part of someone’s big day. What makes my work unique is my dedication to bringing every cake design to life, no matter how creative the idea. I truly enjoy turning a simple concept into a one-of-a-kind, show-stopping creation that people will remember.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I’m so grateful for the amazing support from my family and friends. Their belief in me and the way they’ve spread the word has been a huge boost for my small business. It feels like we’re just getting started, and I’m excited for what’s ahead. I also really appreciate my customers who share my baking videos on social media with their help I have been able to reach a larger audience. And I have to give a special thanks to my boyfriend, Blake. He’s been my rock, cheering me on and standing by me through all the ups and downs. His support means everything to me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanniesweets/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JanayleRuiz
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeanniesweets