LOCAL BAKERS MAKE LIFE IN COLUMBUS

a Little Sweeter with New Cake Studio

By Natalie Downey

Cake is the language of celebrations. From another year of life to a brand new partnership, whatever the occasion, without cake, it just isn’t a party. Local baker Jenna Poole communicates via flour and sugar and eggs in a perfectly articulated, delectably frosted world, and her new shop Custom Cake Studio is the megaphone that echoes a resounding, celebratory “Hurrah” across our city.

As a little girl, Jenna remembers spending time in the kitchen baking with her mom and grandma. “I’ve always been around good food, good recipes, and women in the kitchen,” Jenna recalled.

Her first experiences with baking and her mother’s willingness to let her participate in the kitchen led to Jenna’s growing interest in cake-making, and gave her the foundational knowledge for experimenting on her own as she tweaked her baking processes through trial and error. In high school, Jenna joined the culinary club at her school, where she cooked with her lifelong friend Ashley Legieza, who now assists in the running of the shop.

Jenna & Ashley

As Jenna gained experience in baking, she began making cakes for friends and family, and “word of mouth spread,” she explained. As interest in her cakes grew, she found herself with a long list of orders, and it only made sense for her to begin an at-home cake-making business she named “The Cake Studio.”

“It was a side, fun thing,” Jenna said, “And it grew.” As her business grew, Jenna grew in her experience and knowledge as a baker. “Through a lot of self-teaching and practice,” she added.

A full-time teacher, Jenna continued making cakes on the side, creating custom orders for 12 years. She began to focus primarily on her social media presence and building her business in 2018, as she considered the possibility of transitioning to full-time baker.

When the pandemic hit, Jenna was teaching from home, and orders for cakes were coming in daily. Jenna saw this as her chance and made the decision to give her full attention to baking. Still best friends with her culinary counterpart Ashley, the two combined their skills to open Custom Cake Studio in Old Town in July of this year.

A certified chocolatier, Ashley’s skill and creative craftsmanship add an elegant touch to Jenna’s creations. After working at a family business for 8 years, she jumped at the opportunity to join Jenna in doing what she loves.

Jenna Poole & Ashley Legieza She makes hand-crafted chocolates and assists Jenna with the daily work of running the business. “I couldn’t do this without her,” Jenna says, thankful for Ashley’s help. And Ashley is thankful as well, “I finally am doing something I love to do,” she said.

Jenna approaches the baking process as a learning experience. “Even if you mess up, it’s a learning opportunity. It isn’t time lost,” she said. This willingness to try again has led to her skill in baking, and her cakes speak to the quality of craftsmanship she has worked to develop.

Custom Cake Studio creates custom cakes for events such as weddings, baby showers, and birthdays. They also cater events with charcuterie boards and grazing tables. In addition, the brightly colored shop sells grab and go sweet treats, charcuterie boxes, and hand-crafted chocolates.

Christian

An item Custom Cake Studio has become especially wellknown for is their Saturday Cinnamon Rolls, sold only on Saturday mornings, and only until they sell out. “We usually have a line at the door,” Jenna said. Once the cinnamon rolls sell out, they are gone until the next Saturday.

Custom Cake Studio makes cakes for all occasions and all people, including people with dietary restrictions. They make egg free, dairy free, and vegan treats via custom order.

As the holidays approach, Jenna and Ashley have plans to make holiday pies which will be available through pre order, and upcoming Christmas specials are in the works.

To order a custom cake, charcuterie board, or other treat from Custom Cake Studio, visit customcakestudioga.com. Or visit them directly in Old Town at 3540 D Massee Lane Tuesday through Friday 11am – 6pm, Saturday 9am – 2pm. They are closed Sunday and Monday. But you can call them up at 706.408.0936.

See you in the cinnamon roll line on Saturday.