Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan Penny.
Hi Jordan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started baking between the ages of 10 and 14, but nothing extravagant, just regular box cakes every now and then. Even then, I was always looking for ways to make them better, tweaking the recipe by adding milk, extracts, or anything that could make it taste more homemade. At that age, all I really knew was that I loved dessert, and even more, I loved making it.
Fast forward to when I was 16, I was craving something sweet, specifically a cookie, and I found myself wondering why it was so hard to make a good cookie from scratch. So, I did my research, watched some videos, and found a recipe to try. That batch of cookies turned out better than any I had ever made. The next day, I brought them to church for some people I love and wanted to share them with. I left them in the kitchen and went to service, but before I knew it, random people I hadn’t even planned on sharing them with were coming up to me saying how good the cookies were. That happened all day, and it felt amazing to bake something that people truly enjoyed.
After weeks of getting great feedback, I thought, why not start taking orders? At first, I was practically giving my cookies away for free, but eventually, I started charging $30-$40 for a baker’s dozen. As I gained more experience, I moved on to making cakes and cupcakes completely from scratch, and people loved those too. I was just happy to be making sweets that brought others joy because baking brings me so much joy. That’s when I knew this was what I wanted to do with my life.
My dream is to have a bakery where people can come in, feel warm and cozy, and enjoy a delicious slice of cake, a cookie, or whatever they’re in the mood for. I want something for everyone. Right now, I’m doing pop-ups, building my customer base, and getting my business name out there. One of my cakes, my red velvet, is currently featured in a restaurant which has become a customer favorite. I’m also hoping and planning to expand to other events in San Antonio to continue sharing my sweets with other people. I know I still have a lot to learn, and I know I won’t be able to please everyone, but one day, I want people to walk into my bakery and know there’s at least one thing they’ll love.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been the smoothest road, but I never expected it to be. My biggest challenge has been finding my voice in a business environment. Being young and still gaining experience, I’ve had moments where I felt taken advantage of, whether it was people undervaluing my work or assuming I didn’t know my worth. Learning to stand firm on my pricing, set boundaries, and advocate for myself has been a process. I’m also still figuring out the business side of things. Baking comes naturally to me, but running a business is a whole different challenge. From pricing ingredients to handling orders and marketing, there’s a lot to learn. It can feel overwhelming at times, but I remind myself that every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Each experience, good or bad, is shaping me into the kind of business owner I want to be, and I’m fully committed to building something meaningful and lasting.
As you know, we’re big fans of Copper Coin Sweets. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My business is all about creating high quality sweets that not only taste delicious but also bring joy. I focus on making cupcakes, cookies, and cakes, with attention to both flavor and presentation. Everything is made from scratch with care. What makes me different is the personal touch I add. Every order is meant to feel special. I never compromise on quality because I believe consistency is key to building trust. Each order is made with passion, and for me, baking is about connecting with people through my sweets and offering something they can look forward to!
How do you think about luck?
I don’t believe in luck, I believe in blessings. Every step in this journey feels like a blessing and a part of God’s plan for me. I see every situation as an opportunity to grow and learn. God has provided me with everything I need to run this business. And even when doors close, I trust that He will always open another.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coppercoinsweets?igsh=bDBubXB1a3Y5MDd5&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19kDW5GTWH/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://forms.gle/R4jKbHRSgCr7Eh7q9
