Tell us about yourself and your baking journey!
I’m Catherine and I own Southern Home Bakery! My small business employs 12 women and we create custom, decorated sugar cookies for private parties and corporate events! I have always had a passion for hospitality and baking and getting to work with a team of the most creative women in a storefront bakery is such a joy!
What do you like about Judee’s ingredients?
At Southern Home Bakery, we use Judee’s Meringue Powder exclusively in our royal icing! This Judee’s product allows us to create a consistent product on a large scale. We serve clients in the local, Orlando area and we ship across the country. The royal icing holds up in the Florida heat and in transit to our out-of-state clients.
How has the baking community helped or supported you as you built a business from the ground up?
My team at Southern Home Bakery is a huge reason for our success! Some of the women are traditionally trained while some are creative and have learned the skill of baking and decorating
on the job. They are detail-oriented and have an eye for design in really unique ways. As a team, we all bring different skills to the table and this support for one another and my business has contributed greatly to our growth. Plus, it’s just more fun growing this together!
What’s a baking tip and a business tip you wish everyone knew?
My best baking tip is to have fun in the kitchen! While tried and true recipes are sure to please a crowd, some of our most delicious recipes and flavors have come from creative liberties in the kitchen.
On the business side, my best tip is to share your story with others. This doesn’t have to always be pretty or curated. People are more interested in your journey than you realize and will love seeing behind the scenes.
What is the most rewarding part of baking for you?
The most rewarding part of baking is sharing it with someone, making them feel seen and special. A homemade treat brings comfort on a hard day and joy on a celebratory one. At Southern Home Bakery, we desire to make hospitality easy and every day special for our clients.
Where do you draw inspiration for your baking from?
I draw baking and hospitality inspiration from my mom and my grandmother. Growing up, I watched these women open our home and bake for our people on a regular basis. I love using recipes that have been handed down in my family and building on their foundation.
Where do you draw inspiration for your baking from?
I draw baking and hospitality inspiration from my mom and my grandmother. Growing up, I watched these women open our home and bake for our people on a regular basis. I love using recipes that have been handed down in my family and building on their foundation.