Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Jenkins
Hi Courtney, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always loved baking and being able to create community for others to just have a safe space and good food. So when the pandemic came everything stopped. I am originally from West Philadelphia and I started just making desserts and bringing them for friends and then I saw myself becoming busier and busier because word kept spreading of my Banana puddings which are my Originals (The OG’s). The rest is history. So that’s where “The Moody Bakery” came to life. I looked at it just like a side hustle then, I saw there was a great opportunity that could come from this and I could mix my love of food, people and fun all into one thing. That’s when I decided to take a chance and learn more about business and how successfully run one. From there I just prayed and asked God where he wanted me to be and do and he said LA. The only graduate school I applied to was USC and I was accepted and the way things fell into place allowed me to not only come here but I graduated and I’m continuing to do a passion of mine which is making sweet treats and baked goods.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. I’ve faced many time of just wanting to give up for many reasons, the main one it wasn’t bringing in a consistent flow of money, it was and still is hard to balance a full time will trying to make your passion full time and just life honestly.
Moving out here has challenged me in ways I never would’ve experienced had I not moved. A lot of growth has come from the struggles and lessons. Another big area where it was a struggle and sometimes is is that I get in my head quite often and I second guess which leads to not having a clear plan. So when that happens I get super overwhelmed and anxious because I want it done right but at times it’s just too much and I step away entirely.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a teacher, and business owner. I’ve been teaching for the past 6 years from various grades such as Kindergarten, and 7-12th grade. I never thought I’d be a teacher since I come from a teaching family I thought I’d be on a different side helping kids but here I am still currently.
As the business owner side goes, I am a self taught Baker some say Chef I go by both where in specialize in Banana Puddings, cupcakes and pound cakes. I found that in Philly my Banana Puddings are my top and best sellers and out here in LA my cupcakes and baked goods are the top sellers. I’m most proud of being able to create flavors and unique experiences for customers to have when eating my treats.
I would say what sets me apart is that I truly
put others first in what it is I am making for them. I don’t just see them as customers, they are my community and I care about them whole heartedly. I believe my food is a way of healing and my gift I’ve been given.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I would say what makes me happy is family, friends, bubble tea, books, sports and being able to travel.
These things make me happy because and I’m my most relaxed and my best self during that time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bakesy.shop/b/the-moody-bakery
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themoodybakeryco?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
