The Leader is putting the spotlight on local independent traders and high street heroes across Wrexham and Flintshire.
If you know of or are a business that goes above and beyond, we want to hear from you, and celebrate our local independent traders and high street heroes. Email claire.pierce@newsquest.co.uk for more details.
Enjoy a slice of inspiration with this week's trader…
TADA CAKES BY JODY, Hawarden
Jody Owens started her cake making business in 2012, opening her shop two years ago.
The 34-year-old, from Mancot, used to pass the shop that was later become her own, every day on the way to school at Hawarden High – "little did I know that one day it'd be mine".
Like most of us, her introduction to baking started at home.
Jody said: "My mum taught me to bake but I'm self taught with the decorating.
"I studied fine art in Deeside College, so I think this has helped me along the way.
"Sadly my mum passed away just before lockdown. She was one of my biggest fans and would often be in the shop chatting to my customers.
"I'm determined to carry on baking and continue to make everyone who has supported me from the beginning proud.
"I started baking as a hobby in 2011, then it soon became apparent the demand for cakes was high.
"It took quite some years to convince myself that people would want to buy my bakes but after a lot of encouragement and support, I soon realised that baking is what I was supposed to do!"
Above: Jody Owens, of Tada Cakes By Jody, in Hawarden, and the queue outside her shop for its recent two-year anniversary.
And the proof really is in the pudding, as Jody has the accolades to confirm: "I have been runner up in the Walsh National Wedding Awards two years in a row, 2018 & 2019.
"I specialise in bespoke weddings and celebration cakes, as well as fresh bakes over the counter (brownies, cookies, cupcakes and more).
"I work alone, so everything that is on the counter is made by me and only me. I bake fresh every Saturday morning ready for the day's trade, I'm known for my fresh bakes and it's something I pride myself on.
"I love what I do and I'm so grateful."
What is your most memorable or proudest moment in business?
"Opening my very own shop! Back in 2012 when my hobby became a job I could only dream about running my own shop.
"Two years ago with the support of my family and friends I took the plunge to open my shop.
"I worked two jobs along with baking through the nights. I was eligible for funding, so I knew if I was going to do it I'd have to work for it! Since opening I haven't looked back, I really am living my dream and I'm so lucky and grateful for all of the support."
Above: Bakes by Tada Cake By Jody - 'unicorn poop', drip cakes and two-sided wedding cakes.
Any strange requests or stories from customers?
"I'm known in the wedding industry for my two sided wedding cakes, I pride myself on being able to bring to life a bride and grooms' dream cake.
"With two sided cakes the bride and groom often choose a design each and I work with it, placing it on a rotating cake stand so all the guests can see the whole cake all day!
"I love giving my customers the 'Tada' factor at their events! Customers get to go wild with their imagination and I get to be creative."
Anything else we should know?
"I'm known in the village for my window displays, and I tend to change them four to five times a year, with Halloween and Christmas being my wildest.
"Covid has affected my business massively, with over 30 weddings rescheduling for future dates.
"I launched my postal service just before lockdown, which has seen my bakes being delivered all over the UK. This was a huge step for my small business but one that has helped put 'Tada' on the map!
"I'd like to say a massive thank you to my family, friends and most importantly my customers, who have not only supported me through covid but from the very beginning, without them I wouldn't be here and the whole reason for me opening my shop was to provide affordable bakes.
"I'm just a local girl with a big dream."
• Tada cakes by Jody
13 The Highway
Hawarden
T: 07889 164 786
E: tadacakesbyjody@yahoo.co.uk
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