Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenn Tilton.
Hi Jenn, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hello! My name is Jenn, and I own Indulge by Jenn. I make baked goods and sell them doing pop-ups and farmers’ markets around the metro Detroit area. Baking is a passion of mine, matter of fact it’s part of my mission statement for Indulge – My mission is simple: Bake with passion and spread joy throughout the community, one bite at a time. Spreading Joy is one of the things that keeps me doing what I do.
How did I get into baking? Well… I was always in the kitchen as a young child with my mom and grandma baking. Then as I had gotten older, it just became a hobby, honestly never thought about making it a career choice, until I was in a position where I wanted to quit going for my small business management degree. Good news, I did finish my small business management degree, but I did go to school for baking and getting certified as a pastry chef back in 2006. I haven’t looked back since then; I knew that baking was going to be a big part of me and what I’m supposed to be doing in this life that I am creating for myself.
I had worked for many well-known companies/people in my career – Grand Traverse Pie Co, Royal Park Hotel, Morning Glory Coffee & pastries, Townsend Hotel to name a few. Those places have helped shape my knowledge and grow in the food and beverage industry in the metro Detroit area. But you know what was the best thing that spoke to me the most, I was developing clienteling relationships with all my customers. It was an added dimension in bringing Joy to them, but in return, it came back to me!
What made me start Indulge by Jenn? For over the last 15 years, I have always wanted my own bakery/café. I was one of many that were affected by COVID and was let go from my jobs. After my last employer told me that I was no longer needed, it was then my heart was screaming to start working & making my dreams come to life. Now’s the time. So, I started baking out of my home and finding creative ways to get in front of the consumer and in addition cultivating more customer relationships.
So, when I have my bakery/café the focus would be on fellowship and bringing people together from all walks of life. A casual inviting location where all are welcome to share a smile, enjoy a laugh, & spread kindness & joy to all. Share inspirational thoughts with one another, and grow in oneness as a community. Focusing on the soul-enriching moments in our everyday life- while enjoying a beverage or a treat.
As I’m still organically growing and in the works of getting my own storefront. I keep seeing that when we are doing what we enjoy, it will radiate to those around us and will bring an uplifting feeling and sometimes encourages those to move towards doing what brings them Joy.
So, I ask… what brings you Joy? What speaks to you loudly?
I hope that my story has encouraged you to move towards what brings you Joy and for those who are doing that- keep growing in that, and inspiring those around you!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Has it been a smooth road? It has been the bumpiest but smoothest dirt road that I’ve been down, but wouldn’t change it for anything. I remember in my orientation for culinary school, the head Chef of the department saying that those who go into the food industry are those who have a passion for it, not for the money. If you’re there for the money, then leave. I was like dang! Had a rush of feelings was I in the right place?
He was right, I have a passion for what I do. However, I’ve always had to work 1 full-time job and 1 part-time job to make a living for myself. A moderate living for myself, nothing extravagant. I’m thankful because I was always provided with what I needed.
Actually, after I graduated, I tried starting up Indulge by Jenn baking out of my home 10 years ago while working full time, but it failed in the first year because I couldn’t make ends meet for the company, just wasn’t experienced. Fast forward 15 years later, here I am at it again.
We’ve been impressed with Indulge by Jenn, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As I had mentioned, I make baked goods and sell them doing pop-ups and farmers markets around the metro Detroit area. I’m known for my soft German pretzels, that actually have been family-made for over 50 years! I also think they set me apart from other bakers. And, they taste like a traditional German soft pretzel. In addition, I am also known for my unbelievable chocolate chip cookies. What makes them unbelievable? They’re gluten-free, vegan, made with 30% less sugar, made with 72% dark chocolate, and are diabetic friendly! The response from people was they couldn’t believe how good they were! So, I named them after their response.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice goes back to doing what brings you Joy. It’s simple. Things will come to you naturally; nothing will be forced. The Joy will radiate to those around you and you will attract what’s meant to be yours. That’s not to say you won’t struggle. As someone once told me before I started Indulge by Jenn the 2nd time, it takes guts to start something, and you will have to always continue to motivate yourself to keep going. There have been many times where I wanted to give up, but you didn’t get this far into your pursuits, for you to give up. Keep going! You got this!
Contact Info:
- Email: indulgebyjenn@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.indulgebyjenn.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indulgebyjenn/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indulgebyjenn
