Meet Jamie Bender | Owner of Aunt J’s Home Bakery

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jamie Bender and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jamie, what do you want people to remember about you?
I want people to remember the way I served others and took time to appreciate the small things in life. Life can be so busy, but my goal is to serve others and take the time to meet other’s needs. I strive to smile and talk to people that I interact with every day. Whether that is at the grocery store, at work, or at a restaurant. I want to be involved in my community and remembered for making a difference and encouraging others in their faith as well as chasing their dreams. We live in such a go go go society, but I want others to know they can rely on me for anything that they may need, and I will take the time to help them.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I strive to have a personal connection with each of my customers. Even at the farmers market, I take time to talk to people that are walking around, even if they do not purchase something from me. I build connection and trust and that is something everybody looks for and desires. I am proud of starting something from scratch and going all for it without not a clue how things would go. Starting a business has been a journey but a blessing. I have met so many incredible people and I hope I can be an encouragement to them. I have learned a lot of lessons as well. It is definitely not easy starting out but again is such a blessing. At the end of the day, it is not about the cupcakes and making money, but it is all about reaching others and making an impact in the community. That is what matters at the end of the day. I have learned more and more what people are wanting to purchase at certain events and I believe that is something that will always be changing. I want the world to know that my story is different. I genuinely care about each individual, and I strive to create items for them that bring them joy. I want people to gather around family and friends with fresh baked goods and truly enjoy each other. I want the world to know it’s the difference I make in the lives of others that is most important to me, not how many items I make and sell.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live out in the country so there is definitely not as much to do. But I would take them to town and take them to several cute downtown shops. Coffee shops are always a fun place to grab a drink while shopping around as well. During the summer I would definitely go to the beach that is an hour away and spend the day there. We would do some grilling as well in the summer and enjoy fresh items from the garden.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family is my biggest support system. They encourage me to be my very best and push me hard to my limits. They know what I am capable of and they always desire for me to succeed. I could not be where I am today without them.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auntjs_homebakery/