Exploring Life & Business with Jennifer Yoder of Sweet Construction Bakery

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Yoder

Hi Jennifer, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have loved baked goods my entire life and even though I went into the corporate world originally, the thought of having my own bakery one day never left my mind.  My husband and I moved to Raleigh, NC in 2018 and love it here! I am a self-taught baker, taking different types of classes that have inspired my concept.  My favorite baked goods are cookies, pies, brownies, and just about anything with chocolate!  After taking an online course, I had a dream to create unique, flavorful cookies and pies in a little shop.

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?
Starting a small business can be difficult on its own with getting the correct permits, following state regulations and more, but the most difficult part while I was getting started was watching a lot of other bakeries open consistently and not get discouraged. This shows me that I have to really make an impact with my flavors and concept if I’m going to open that store front I dreamed about. For a while I was also having difficulty finding a shared kitchen to bake out of that had a reasonable cost because I am so new and still trying to just break even. I learned that I need to use any connections I have to obtain what I need to help me keep this business going.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I love to eat and bake cookies, pies, brownies, specialty bars, and more, but most of all I enjoy sharing my baked treats with others. With the help of my wonderful husband, family and friends, I pull inspiration for my flavor profiles from every day life to create both unique and traditional flavors. What is different about my products is that they are all made with gluten free ingredients! I do not suffer from a gluten intolerance, but I do have a different food intolerance and know what it is like to crave that food but not be able to eat it. For those of you who are not gluten intolerant, you won’t tell the difference!

I am currently going to pop-up markets, breweries and more around the Raleigh area to share my products. If you find me at a market, you’ll can try my traditional and unique flavors, but my true concept (and goal for a store front) is for you to “construct” your own special treat from my base flavors! Check out my website www.sweetconstructionbakery.com if you want to give it a try!

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up I was typically playing outside with friends, or playing sports (soccer and softball!), or spending time with my family and our dogs. I am the youngest of 3 girls so I got a lot more freedom than my older siblings, but that doesn’t mean I got away with everything. My parents taught me how to be respectful, responsible, courteous to others, headstrong, and so much more. I learned many life lessons growing up with a father who has Multiple Sclerosis and couldn’t participate in too many outdoor activities with me, but he & Mom never missed a game to cheer me on!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sweetconstructionbakery.com
• Instagram: @sweetconstructionbakery
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetconstructionbakery