While graduation and prom are once-in-a-lifetime events for any and everyone, Justin knew this competition show was more of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity he refused to pass on.
Can you tell everyone, who is Justin Ellen?
That’s honestly a great question and I’m still trying to figure out that myself as I’m just 19 years old. I am born and raised in Passaic, NJ, and always loved being creative. When I was little, I loved to bake, draw, sculpt, and even wanted to be a sculptor at one point. Who would have guessed I would have ended up being a cake artist and sculpted cakes into objects now? I’m a Capricorn so I am super hard working and very goal oriented, perfect traits for an entrepreneur.
How did you get into becoming a baker and grow a passion for making cakes?
I got into baking from baking with my mom and grandma during the holidays when I was little. We would bake everything from breads to pies to cookies all from scratch! I even had those machines like an Easy Bake Oven since I was too “little” to use the oven. I quickly outgrew those and started watching cake decorating on YouTube. I would always binge Yolanda Gampp from How to Cake It and she really sparked my interest in custom cakes. In my family it was never a thing, we very rarely ever had a cake. Sparking my interest, I just immediately went into the kitchen without any fear and created some art! From then on, I never stopped.
Can you tell us how you found out about the competition and how you felt during the process?
For the competition, they reached out to be via dm on my Instagram. At first it honestly seemed a little sketchy. During the process I was super stressed out. Realistic cakes weren’t my specialty, and I was just 18 years old. I knew the other competitors would be much more advanced than me. Fortunately, my family pushed me to go through with the opportunity and I wouldn’t change it for anything!
Can you tell us how it feels to be a successful young man?
While I am a successful young man, I sometimes honestly forget to see that so it feels normal in a sense. I am learning to take a step back and look back at all the accomplishments I have made thus far. It’s definitely something to be proud about but it’s also just the beginning.
Can you tell us more about Everything Just Baked?
Everything Just Baked is a baking business where we sell custom cakes through our bakery, offer classes to help aspiring bakers and create household products so everyone can enjoy Everything Just Baked. I’m the owner and proudly black owned. I hope to show other young individuals that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.
Can you tell us more about why you wanted to start the product line?
I wanted to start a product line so more people can enjoy Everything Just Baked. Custom cakes are pricey and a luxury item. Creating our very own cake mix allows another opportunity for consumers to enjoy our cake. It’s the very same recipe and produces the most delicious cake you will ever taste.
What would you like our views to gain from this interview?
From this interview, I want viewers to know that anything is possible at any age. It may seem impossible, or others may downplay your goals but you have to stay focused and motivated. For young viewers remember also, college isn’t for everyone. I’m glad I didn’t attend as I would have wasted time and a ton of money in which I could have just invested towards my business. Don’t let society knock your dreams down and anything can become a successful business.
How can people connect with you?
People can connect with me through our social media platforms @everythingjustbaked on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube. Or they can check our website out, Everythingjustbaked.com
Photo Credits: Justin Ellen
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