Jade Hagan has combined her love for baking with a passion for creating dietary-inclusive treats in her new business, Jadey Cakes. Since launching a few months ago in Owensboro, her unique confections have been well-received by the community.
While her primary goal was to offer gluten-free and dairy-free options, Hagan also enjoys the creative aspect of baking.
“My favorite part of baking has been the decorating and making things look pretty. I love to make things that are aesthetically appealing,” Hagan said.
Crafting specialty treats comes with its own challenges, but for Hagan, the final product is always worth it.
“I love to see what works as far as flavors and textures. Gluten-free textures can be tricky to play with. Customers will bring something to me and ask, ‘Can you make this?’ and I’ll say, ‘We’ll find out,’ and it almost always turns out well,” she said.
One of Hagan’s biggest motivators is ensuring others feel included. Gluten-free dining has been a challenge for her personally, and even when options are available, they don’t always taste as good, she said.
“My favorite part of what I’m doing is helping people enjoy life and enjoy sweets. I’ve been there myself — feeling like at my own birthday party I was the odd one out, getting a weird cake while everyone else got a real cake,” she said.
That experience has helped her build a sense of community with others who understand the challenges of special dietary needs.
“Even though it seems silly or like it’s not a big deal, it can feel like people are constantly critiquing my eating habits or asking why I’m not eating much in a social setting,” she said. “It’s nice when I go out to eat or attend a party with someone else who is gluten-free. We can talk about what we’re going to be eating.”
Hagan primarily focuses on specialty cakes and cupcakes for personal and event needs. As for the future, she’s taking it one day at a time, proud of the connections she has made.
“There’s a lot of pressure on women when it comes to food. I know a lot of women who have struggled with eating disorders or other issues with food. I want to help people find foods they can eat that actually taste good,” she said. “If it grows, that’s amazing. If it doesn’t, that’s amazing, too. I’m just glad I’ve helped the people I have so far.”
