Katy Kauffman, owner of the in-home bakery Oh Jupiters Bakery, has been gaining attention for her unique cookies and vibrant connection to the Allen community. After winning Christmas Cookie Challenge on Food Network, her small bakery has grown in popularity. The increased recognition has attracted new customers and inspired her to explore new business opportunities. Despite her success, Katy's journey was not always smooth.
What started as a hobby, baking personalized cookies for friends and family, quickly transformed into a thriving business after a pivotal moment. “The first time I was paid for an order, I thought, ‘No one should be paying me this much,’” Katy laughed. However, friends saw potential and encouraged her to dream bigger, pushing her to turn her love for art and baking into a business. The important moment came a year after she began selling cookies. “I had someone contact me saying, ‘My wife has followed you on Instagram for over a year, and I want you to make the coolest Jurassic Park cookie set possible. Cost isn’t a concern.’ That was the moment I realized this could be more than a hobby that brought in a little extra cash.”
To help with her business, Katy used resources like Christy Wright’s Small Business Routine podcast. A key piece of Wright’s advice resonated deeply with her: You can do things scared. “It really encouraged me to take chances, even when I wasn’t sure about what the future held,” she reflected. Katy’s commitment to creating exceptional cookies paid off when she was invited to compete on Christmas Cookie Challenge. She recalled Wright's advice and embraced the experience. “I was terrified, but it was worth it to push myself out of my comfort zone.”
Her time on the show was marked by a mix of pressure and joy, particularly when she pushed the boundaries of flavor. Katy created a chocolate macadamia cookie and experimented with smoked brown sugar, a collaboration with a neighbor who is a champion in the state smokehouse circuit. “I love it when my community helps me create something new,” Katy said. The attention from the show has led to more customers discovering Oh Jupiters Bakery, especially during the Christmas season. Katy enjoys meeting new clients who seek out her beautiful and delicious designs.
Katy’s repeat customers are another sweet part of her business. One customer even keeps a cookie from every set she’s ordered, turning it into a “memory tree” for her family’s holiday decorations. Looking ahead, Katy has ideas that will help expand her reach and connect with more individuals. She hopes to collaborate with local businesses and organizations in her stunning 3D cookie designs. With the support of her family and community, she is excited about the future of Oh Jupiters Bakery and its growing reputation for exceptional, heartfelt cookies.
The Benefits of an In-Home Bakery
Running Oh Jupiters Bakery out of her home has given Katy the flexibility to balance work and family life. While busy holiday seasons can be chaotic, the ability to stay local and be present for her kids makes it all worthwhile. Katy enjoys the personal touch that comes with running a home-based bakery and the opportunity to connect with customers face to face.