Guest Interview

Today I welcome:   Jae Young, owner of Simply Cakes by Jae. www.simplycakesbyjae.com. 

I have personally tasted several of her cupcakes and I can tell you they are simply the best! My favorite is the Vanilla Raspberry. All of her melt-in-your-mouth cakes are filled with luscious homemade crèmes, berry centers, or ice cream. Yum!

When I first met Jae, her shop was in Astoria, Oregon—the same setting as the main shop I feature in THE CUPCAKE DIARIES. She's now located in Cannon Beach, Oregon, the setting for book 5: Sprinkled with Kisses.

1. Jae, can you tell us a little more about yourself and your shop? 

I began baking at a young age at home, making all of the cakes for family and guests. I studied under my grandmother, who was a chef and dietician. I love what I do.

2. What inspired you to open your own cake shop and how long have you been in business?

I was catering to a French Bistro and making wedding cakes. The Bistro closed and I found myself with too much time on my hands and the need to create, so I opened a cupcake shop. The customers at the Bistro are pleased I am still making the pastries they became addicted to.

3. In my sweet novella series, The Cupcake Diaries, my three heroines Andi, Rachel, and Kim struggle to open their cupcake shop and make their dreams come true. What do you think is the hardest part of opening a small business?

You need confidence, patience, talent, and you really need to love what you do.

4. Where did you get your fabulous recipes? Did you create them yourself ?

My recipes initially were my grandmother's. I have expounded on them with new filling combinations and design.

5. How many flavors do you have and what is your own personal favorite flavor cupcake?

Currently 15. My favorite is Chocolate/chocolate mousse.

6. You used to have a shop in Astoria and recently moved to Cannon Beach. How was that transition for you? What preparations did you have to make?

It cost me approximately $10,000. for new plumbing, electrical, and mechanical, as well as 6 months of reduced sales as I was going into the winter. Moving to a new town is like starting a new business. I moved in the fall so that I would be able to ease into my new surroundings and get a flow going. The hardest part of the move was loading a truck with all of my equipment and furniture as well as pots, pans, etc.

7.  In THE CUPCAKE DIARIES: Sprinkled with Kisses,  newcomer Stacey McIntyre fears her mobile cupcake stand may be in danger when she sees tsunami evacuation route signs. Research shows her that in 1964 a tsunami, triggered by an Alaskan earthquake, wiped out the bridge that connected Cannon Beach to the rest of the state of Oregon and flooded the area with 27 foot high waves. As a local resident at that time, can you tell us a little of your personal experience?

When the siren went off at the fire department signaling a tsunami we loaded everyone into the car and went to higher ground like everyone else. It was about 1a.m. We went home after a couple of hours and the damage that I remember was minimal. The rivers overflowed but the wave was small. I do not even remember the bridge being taken out.

8. What about the future? Do you see new trends in baking or cake decorating?

I am not a trendy person. I make simple elegance that tastes really good. Most of my customers get addicted to their favorite. Trends come and go but a good piece of cake is forever.

9. That's so true! How can we find your shop so we can come taste your delicious,  melt-in-your mouth cupcakes for ourselves?

I am located right as you come into Cannon Beach between Hemlock and Spruce at 163 E. Third Street, 1/2 block to the beach. I am in a two story house with blue shingled siding on second story.

Phone number:  (503) 436-0436   Website: www.simplycakesbyjae.com

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

Thank you for visiting with us today! I would also like to add that Jae makes fabulous wedding cakes so if you know anyone who's getting married be sure to pass along her information. Simply Cakes by Jae are melt-in-your-mouth delicious!